Hongos endófitos con potencial uso en la degradación de aceites residuales

Abstract

Pollution caused by waste oils—derived from both petroleum and the food industry—has led to increased concentrations of these contaminants, resulting in serious environmental imbalances. In recent decades, the use of microorganisms has offered highly effective bioremediation options. This project focuses on evaluating the tolerance of fungal isolates—designated C127, C156, C156L, CHJ, and CHM—to these contaminants. Two assays were conducted using liquid and solid media where vegetable oil and lubricating oil served as the sole carbon sources; incubation times varied due to the high toxicity of petroleum derivatives. Fungal growth was assessed by measuring biomass and the mycelial halo. Not all isolates proved viable in the media containing waste oils, suggesting that parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, and pH must be considered to optimize fungal isolate development. Nevertheless, isolates C156L and C127 successfully grew under these conditions by employing various mechanisms, such as encrusting, encapsulating, or assimilating the contaminant. Consequently, these microorganisms are prime candidates for potential use in wastewater treatment plants or bioreactors.