Searching utilization potential of a new biosorbent for PCB biodegradation

In this study, Lentinus concinnus, white-rot fungus was used for removal of polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs). Removal of seven indicator congeners (PCB 28, 52, 101, 138, 153, 180 and 194) were investigated. Fungal mycelium and plectenchyma were obtained in three different media: Sabouraud broth (SB), nitrogen limiting medium (MAS) and nitrogen limiting medium containing extra glucose (GMAS). Fungal tolerance to PCBs was investigated and the effect of growth medium on tolerance was found as GMAS>SB>MAS. Total PCB removal rates with mycelium were 88,80 % for GMAS, 86,99 % for SB and 58,76 % for MAS. Total PCB removal rates with plectenchyma were found as 91,40 % for GMAS, 91,20 % for SB and 90,60 % for MAS. The contribution of biosorption to the total PCB removal were determined as, 42,99 - 56,16 % for mycelium and 95,84 ? 97,28 % for plectenchyma. The highest removal rate was obtained with PCB 28 and PCB 194, for mycelium and plectenchyma, respectively. The effect of culture age of plectenchyma on the PCB removal was investigated and it was observed that, the removal rates increased to 100% as the cultures aged. As a result, with this study, it was determined that fungal plectenchyma can be used in PCB removal with high efficiency.