Mycoremediation effect of Trichoderma harzianum strain T22 combined with ozonation in diesel-contaminated sand

• Published in: Chemosphere (Oxford) 2020-08, Vol.252, p.126597-126597, Article 126597
• Main Authors: Elshafie, H.S., Camele, I., Sofo, A., Mazzone, G., Caivano, M., Masi, S., Caniani, D.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biodegradation; Environmental pollution; Microbial bioremediation; Ozonation; Petroleum hydrocarbons
• ISSN: 0045-6535; 1879-1298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.126597

This study aimed to determine the ability of the fungus Trichoderma harzianum strain T22 (Th-T22) to utilize diesel fuel as a carbon source. The potential use of Th-T22 for diesel bioremediation in an artificial soil was tested by inoculating a diesel-sand mixture with a fungal mycelial suspension of Th-T22. Given the ability of ozone to degrade compounds with low biochemical reactivity, the effect of a pre- and post-ozonation was also evaluated. The survival, growth and sporulation of Th-T22 throughout the bioremediation trial were monitored in all the treatments. In the post-ozonation treatments, the biodegradation percentages of diesel removal were 70.16% and 88.35% in Th-T22-inoculated sand treated or untreated with the antibacterial streptomycin, respectively. The results showed that ozonation alone caused good removal efficiencies (41.9%) but it was much more effective if combined with Th-T22 in a post-ozonation regime, whereas pre-ozonation negatively affected the subsequent biodegradation, likely due to its disinfectant and oxidizing effect on Th-T22. The results obtained demonstrated the significant mycoremediation ability of Th-T22 in diesel-contaminated sand and its possible use as a bioremediation agent for diesel spills in polluted sites. [Display omitted] •Bioremediation by Trichoderma harzianum in diesel-contaminated sand was studied.•The effect of ozonation was also examined (pre- and post-treatment).•Survival, growth and sporulation of T. harzianum were monitored.•T. harzianum showed mycoremediation effect in diesel-contaminated sand.•Pre-ozonation negatively affected the subsequent biodegradation.