Surfactant addition enhances the hyphal uptake of PCBs and aldrin by mycorrhizal fungi in liquid culture

Abstract

Mixed liquid cultures of ectomycorrhizal fungi were incubated in the presence of common soil contaminants (aldrin and PCBs) and three commercial surfactants (Surfonic® L24–9, Surfonic® T‐20, and Rexophos JV‐05–015). Two surfactants (Surfonic® L24–9 and Surfonic® T‐20) significantly increased hyphal growth under carbon‐limiting conditions, thus implying surfactant biodegradability. All three surfactants increased the hyphal uptake of contaminant‐derived radiolabel during a 10‐day incubation. In addition, surfactants enhanced radiolabel uptake during an extended 30‐day incubation, while hyphal growth slowed considerably after ten days. Results of this experiment provided evidence that surfactant addition may be a useful augmentation to mycorrhizae‐mediated phytoremediation.

Key words:

• Ectomycorrhizae
• phytoremediation
• detergent

Notes

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