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Extremely chaotolerant and kosmotolerant Aspergillus atacamensis – a metabolically versatile fungus suitable for recalcitrant biosolid treatment

Summary

Scientists discovered a special fungus called Aspergillus atacamensis that can survive in extremely salty environments, similar to salt lakes in the Atacama Desert. This fungus is remarkable because it can break down harmful pollutants and chemicals, including medications and oil-based compounds. Researchers tested its ability to clean contaminated wastewater and biosolids, finding it highly effective at removing various contaminants. This discovery opens new possibilities for using this hardy fungus to clean up environmental pollution in industries and wastewater treatment facilities.

Background

Obligate halophily is extremely rare in fungi. Aspergillus atacamensis is an obligate halophile isolated from a salt water-exposed cave in the hyperarid Atacama Desert in Chile. This study characterizes the morphological and metabolic properties of this fungus to assess its biotechnological potential.

Objective

To investigate the morphological changes and metabolic versatility of A. atacamensis EXF-6660 when exposed to varying concentrations of kosmotropic and chaotropic solutes. To assess its potential for xenobiotic degradation and biosolid treatment.

Results

A. atacamensis grew up to saturating levels of NaCl and at 2.0 M MgCl2, exceeding previously known limits for prokaryotic life. The fungus metabolized approximately 95% of substrates in Biolog panels at optimal salinity. A. atacamensis successfully degraded biphenyls, diphenyl ethers, pharmaceuticals, phenols, and polyaromatic hydrocarbons in biosolid treatment experiments.

Conclusion

A. atacamensis EXF-6660 is a highly chaotolerant, kosmotolerant, and xerotolerant fungus with significant potential for xenobiotic degradation and biosolid treatment applications. The fungus demonstrates exceptional metabolic versatility and ability to tolerate extreme salt concentrations, making it valuable for biotechnological applications.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Experimental Laboratory Study,
  • Source: PMC10338856, PMID: 37455742
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