Fungi
Why implement Fungal strains in bioremediation techniques?
Fungi are most successful at bioremediation of high molecular weight PAHs (which do not degrade as easily through photooxidation. See Hydrocarbon Background).
A study performed by Olivier Potin, Catherine Rafin, and Etienne Veignie in 2003 shows that filamentous fungi could be used in clean-up of long-term hydrocarbon contamination of soils. Filamentous fungi are advantageous because most of them are adapted to contamination already, and they have the ability to extend through the soil where they can access hard to reach contaminants.
How do fungi degrade hydrocarbons?
Fungi such has the white rot fungus (Phanerochaete chrysosporium) produce extracellular enzymes that aid in the degradation of hydrocarbons. Oxidative enzymes can degrade hydrocarbons because they help initiate radical-mediated attacks upon organic matter.
A study by Verdin, Sahraoui and Durand in 2004 shows that other fungal strains (Trichoderma viride, Fusarium solani and Fusarium oxysporum) degrade hydrocarbon contamination, but with no particular correlation with enzyme production.
It has been shown that some fungi metabolize hydrocarbons to polar metabolites.
How are fungi implemented?
Fungi can be utilized for bioremediation in spore form or a mycelial inoculum. It has been found that for hydrocarbons, the mycelial inoculum is more successful.
Two such fungi are Coniothyrium sp. inoculum (26.5% degradation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) and Fusarium sp. inoculum (27.5% degradation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
SOURCES: Potin, Verdin