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In situ degradation of 2-methylnaphthalene by a soil Penicillium strain associated with fungal–bacterial interactions

Summary

Scientists discovered a new type of fungus called Penicillium sp. LJD-20 that can break down 2-methylnaphthalene, a toxic pollutant found in soil near oil fields. Using advanced microscopy and genetic analysis, researchers showed this fungus works with bacteria to completely remove the pollutant from contaminated soil within two weeks. This discovery suggests that fungi could be valuable allies in cleaning up environmental pollution caused by industrial chemicals.

Background

Fungi play important but underappreciated roles in bioremediation of organic pollutants compared to bacteria. However, numerous fungal species, their functional genes, and metabolic pathways remain largely unexplored. This study addresses the need to identify and characterize active fungi involved in emerging contaminant degradation using advanced single-cell technologies.

Objective

To identify active fungal degraders of 2-methylnaphthalene (a model emerging contaminant) from contaminated soil and elucidate their metabolic mechanisms and genetic features. The study aimed to link metabolic activity of individual fungal cells with their functional identities and genetic characteristics under environmentally relevant conditions.

Results

A previously unreported Penicillium sp. strain LJD-20 was isolated as an active degrader of 2-methylnaphthalene. The strain possessed diverse degradation-related genes including dioxygenases, methyl hydroxylases, and cytochrome P450 monooxygenases. Co-occurrence with Achromobacter sp. bacteria was detected, and bioaugmentation with LJD-20 achieved complete pollutant removal in 14 days while enriching other degrading microorganisms.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that Penicillium sp. LJD-20 exhibits metabolic versatility for pollutant degradation through multiple enzymatic pathways. The combination of single-cell and isotopic approaches successfully identified fungal-bacterial associations and their functional roles. These findings highlight the importance of fungi in bioremediation and support the use of advanced single-cell technologies for exploring microbial function and interactions in complex environments.
  • Published in:ISME J,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: PMID: 41288576
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