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Environmental Technology Listing
Title of Listing:
White Rot Fungus
Category:
Treatment Technologies
Subcategory:
*Soil, All Listings
Media:
Soil
Contaminants:
PCBs, Chlorinated Hydrocarbons
Web Site:
http://www.teleport.com/~bsi
Email:
bsi@teleport.com
Technology Description:

Bioremediation - Solid Phase

          The lignin degrading white rot fungus, Phanerochaete hrysosporium, was first characterized in 1974. In 1981, potential commercial applications were suggested for use of this fungal lignin degrading (ligninase) system in the pulp and paper industry. Because of the nonspecific nature of the lignin-degrading enzyme system, several laboratories began systematic studies to determine if such activity could be used to attack xenobiotics. Some of the more recalcitrant compounds studied include pentachlorophenol, polcyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, herbicides, and pesticides. A nonspecific oxidative enzyme system, such as found in the white rot fungus, is the most logical approach to microbial destruction of PCB contamination. This system has been shown to readily degrade PCBs and other complex hydrocarbons. Total dechlorination and mineralization have been observed. Dechlorination and ring cleavage appear to be unique to the ligninase activity. Once the ring is broken, total degradation is achieved throughout well-established biochemical pathways. Until recently, studies of biodegradation using the white rot fungus model have been limited to laboratory level procedures. In the fall of 1989, Bioremediation Service, Inc. began in situ treatment of PCBs. The program was permitted by the U.S.EPA. Soils at an electric utility service center had been contaminated with PCBs from stored transformers and capacitors. The site had three areas that showed high levels of contamination. In addition, batch demonstrations have now been successfully performed on pesticide and herbicide contaminated soils from a Superfund site in Denver, Colorado.

          This technology offers permanent destruction of chlorinated and other organic compounds.
Performance Status/
Limitations:

Performance Status:

          White rot fungus has definite benefits and offers significant promise for permanently remediating many contaminated sites throughout the country. Scale-up to full treatment has only been successfully performed by a limited number of companies.

          Limitations:

          There are a number of limitations that exist with this technology. Soil temperature must be high and pH must be low for optimum fungus development and ligninase production. Special environmental control systems must be constructed to maintain suitable moisture and temperature conditions. The Phanerochaete chrysosporium must be constantly managed to maximize ligninase production and this must be accomplished by skilled technicians. This technology, like other biological methods, takes time. This technology does not treat metals.
Topics
Bioremediation/Biodegradation, Technologies, Treatment/Remediation
Additional Topics/Tags/Keywords
Bioremediation, Soil


Organization:
Bioremediation Service, Inc.
Address:
12130 NE Ainsworth Circle
Suite 220
Phone:
DescriptionNumber
City:
Portland
1.
Toll Free (800) 775-9464
State/Province/Territory:
OR
2.
Zip/Postal Code:
97220-9009
3.
Country:
United States
4.
Fax:(503) 253-9629
Branch Locations: