Degradation of the main components of cellulose-paint thinner by the mould Scopulariopsis brevicaulis cultured on rice hulls.
AIMS: Biodegradation of the main components of the cellulose-paint thinner (toluene, acetone, isopropanol and xylenes) by Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, isolated from a thinner biodegradation microbial consortium was investigated. METHODS AND RESULTS: Our results showed that 90% of S. brevicaulis conidia survived after 4 weeks in a cellulose-paint thinner saturated atmosphere. The mould was able to grow under these environmental conditions with a low development of conidia. The biodegradation potential of S. brevicaulis was established with and without support material (rice hulls). Biodegradation without support was very limited, <10% for all the components quantified. There was notable thinner biodegradation when the fungus was grown on rice hulls. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest the potential use of fungi in biofiltration systems employed in biodegradation of the main components of the cellulose-paint thinner. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This is the first report of volatile organic compounds biodegradation by this fungal species.