Phenanthrene and Naphthalene Biodegradation by Soil Fungi in Agricultural Fields using Mycoremediation Techniques

Abstract

Mycoremediation is a sustainable and environmentally friendly biotechnological approach used to remediate the environment by eliminating organic contaminants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), pesticides, and heavy metals. This strategy promotes soil health while improving crop productivity. The goal of this study is to identify the soil fungi that have the ability to degrade PAHs, particularly phenanthrene and naphthalene, and to evaluate the degradation efficacy and associated toxicity of identified fungi for sustainable food production. Soil samples were collected from Galle, Matara, Colombo, and Jaffna, among other urbanised areas of Sri Lanka. To isolate fungal colonies, the collected soil samples were serially diluted and plated using the spread plate method on potato dextrose agar (PDA)medium. The isolated colonies were subjected to primary screening in Bushnell Hass (BBH) medium to assess their degradation capacity. After demonstrating positive activity, colonies were selected to assess their capacity to degrade particular PAHs. Fungal strains that showed efficient degradation were identified at the molecular level. Ten morphologically different strains of fungi were identified in the first step. Nine strains showed better PAH degradation in primary screening.