Hydrocarbon-Degrading Fungi Isolated from Oil-Contaminated Sites in Northern Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract

Improper waste management from automobile workshops has contributed markedly to environmental contamination. Areas within the vicinity of these workshops are exposed to high amounts of waste engine oils and other hydrocarbon wastes. Bioremediation may provide a practical solution due to better cost-effectiveness and high probability of total mineralisation without causing secondary pollution. Thus, this study aims to isolate, characterise and identify fungi that can utilize and degrade hydrocarbon. The research was conducted by collecting soil and water samples from the oil-contaminated sites including workshops, households and a sewage treatment plant in the Northern region of Peninsular Malaysia. Hydrocarbon-degrading ability was screened by growing fungi on selective agar containing waste engine oil (hydrocarbon) as the sole carbon source. The fungal colonies that grow on the selective agar were streaked and subcultured onto potato dextrose agar until pure isolates were obtained. Further screening by 2,6-dichlorophenol indophenol (DCPIP) assay was carried out to confirm the ability of all fungal isolates to utilise hydrocarbon. The isolated fungi were identified based on morphological characterisation and microscopic observation. Four fungal isolates from an oil-polluted environment were identified as Aspergillus sydowii USM-FH1, Aspergillus westerdijkiae USM-FH3, Curvularia lunata USM-FH6 and Chaetomium globusum USM-FH8. These fungal isolates showed good potential to be applied in the bioremediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated sites.