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Sewage sludge composting is a profitable process economically viable and environmentally friendly. In despite of there are several kind of composting types, the use of combined system of semipermeable cover film and aeration air-floor is widely developed at industrial scale. However, the knowledge of the linkages between microbial communities structure, enzyme activities and physico-chemical factors under these conditions it has been poorly explored. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the bacterial dynamic and community structure using next generation sequencing coupled to analyses of microbial enzymatic activity and culturable dependent techniques in a full-scale real composting plant. Sewage sludge composting process was conducted using a semi-permeable Gore-tex cover, in combination with an air-insufflation system. The highest values of enzymatic activities such as dehydrogenase, protease and arylsulphatase were detected in the first 5 days of composting; suggesting that during this period of time a greater degrading activity of organic matter took place. Culturable bacteria identified were in agreement with the bacteria found by massive sequencing technologies. The greatest bacterial diversity was detected between days 15 and 30, with Actinomycetales and Bacillales being the predominant orders at the beginning and end of the process. Bacillus was the most representative genus during all the process. A strong correlation between abiotic factors as total organic content and organic matter and enzymatic activities such as dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, and ß-glucosidase activity was found. Bacterial diversity was strongly influenced by the stage of the process, community-structure change was concomitant with a temperature rise, rendering favorable conditions to stimulate microbial activity and facilitate the change in the microbial community linked to the degradation process. Moreover, results obtained confirmed that the use of semipermeable cover in the composting of sewage sludge allow a noticeable reduction in the process-time comparing to conventional open windrows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to gain insight into the ability of fungi present in a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-contaminated pond as remediation agents. Eight of the 10 strains isolated belonging to Ascomycota fungi and were able to remove anthracene after 21 days. Among them, Penicillium oxalicum was selected for further studies. Time course experiments showed that P. oxalicum completely removed anthracene and dibenzothiophene within 4 days, as well as phenanthrene and dibenzofuran, although at slower rates. Induction of oxygenase activity in the subcellular fraction of the fungal mycelium exposed to these aromatic compounds was deeply studied. Besides, the reduction of the conversion rate in the presence of a cytochrome P450 (CYP) inhibitor indicates a role in the first step of transformation of PAHs. The use of a defined growth medium with low carbon content for stable isotope tracer experiments using 13 C 6 -anthracene showed that glucose was required to proceed with anthracene degradation by P. oxalicum . Mineralization of anthracene could not be proved in these experiments, but 13 C-labelled oxy- and hydroxy-derivatives were identified by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) as major metabolites. These results show the potential application of the isolated fungus P. oxalicum in biotechnological pollutant removal processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bioremediation of hazardous aromatic pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has been extensively studied in recent decades, including the potential use of different phyla of fungi for this purpose. Molecular technologies are starting to reveal that the real players in polluted environments are mainly represented by the phylum Ascomycota and the subphylum Mucoromycotina and, to a lesser extent, the phylum Basidiomycota . Paradoxically, despite their key involvement, these groups of fungi are often treated as a black box, and their potential roles in the transformation of xenobiotics and catabolic pathways remain poorly understood. The complex intracellular metabolism seems to play a major role in the ability of these fungi to transform or remove PAHs, and their associated enzymes are encoded in the xenome. Functional genomics offers novel information about this enzymatic system, which is widely distributed among all phyla. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Advanced oxidation of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and o-, m-, and p-xylene (BTEX) by the extracellular hydroxyl radicals (ated by the white-rot fungus Trametes versicolor is for the first time demonstrated. The production of duced by incubating the fungus with 2,6-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone (DBQ) and Fe3+–EDTA. Under these conditions, enerated through DBQ redox cycling catalyzed by quinone reductase and laccase. The capability of T. versicolor growing in malt extract medium to produce s mechanism was shown during primary and secondary metabolism, and was quantitatively modulated by the replacement of EDTA by oxalate and Mn2+ addition to DBQ incubations. Oxidation of BTEX was observed only under ion conditions. ement was inferred from the high correlation observed between the rates at which they were produced under different DBQ redox cycling conditions and those of benzene removal, and the production of phenol as a typical hydroxylation product of on benzene. All the BTEX compounds (500μM) were oxidized at a similar rate, reaching an average of 71% degradation in 6h samples. After this time oxidation stopped due to O2 depletion in the closed vials used in the incubations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Extracellular hydroxyl radical ( OH) production via quinone redox cycling in Trametes versicolor, grown in a chemically defined medium, was investigated to degrade trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), 1,2,4- and 1,3,5-trichlorobenzene (TCB). The activity of the enzymes catalyzing the quinone redox cycle, quinone reductase and laccase, as well as the rate of OH production, estimated as the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) from 2-deoxyribose, increased rapidly during the first 2–3days and then remained at relatively constant levels. Under quinone redox cycling conditions, TCE degradation was concomitant to TBARS production and chloride release, reaching a plateau after 6h of incubation. Similar results were obtained in PCE, 1,2,4- and 1,3,5-TCB time course degradation experiments. The mole balance of chloride release and 1,2,4-TCB and TCE degraded suggests that these chemicals were almost completely dechlorinated. Experiments using [13C]-TCE confirmed unequivocal transformation of TCE to 13CO2. These results are of particular interest because PCE and 1,3,5-TCB degradation in aerobic conditions has been rarely reported to date in bacterial or fungal systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: We studied the production of xyloglucanase enzymes of pea and lettuce roots in the presence of saprobe and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. The AM fungus Glomus mosseae and the saprobe fungi Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium oxysporum-126, Trichoderma harzianum, Penicillium chrysogenum, Pleurotus ostreatus and Aspergillus niger were used. G. mosseae increased the shoot and root dry weight of pea but not of lettuce. Most of the saprobe fungi increased the level of mycorrhization of pea and lettuce, but only P. chrysogenum and T. harzianum inoculated together with G. mosseae increased the dry weight of pea and lettuce respectively. The AM and saprobe fungi increased the production of xyloglucanases by plant roots. The level of xyloglucanase activities and the number of xyloglucanolytic isozymes in plants inoculated with G. mosseae and most of the saprobe fungi tested were higher than when both microorganisms were inoculated separately. The possible relationship between xylogucanase activities and the ability of AM and saprobe fungi to improve the dry weight and AM root colonization of plants was discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background and aims: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous, persistent, toxic and bioaccumulative pollutants, generated from the incomplete combustion of organic matter. In vascular plants, PAHs cause a decrease in biomass, alter the phenotype and inhibit photosynthesis. There is currently little information about their effect on bryophytes (sensu lato). Within this group, Lunularia cruciata (phylum Marchantiophyta) can colonize environments with anthropic impact and could be used as a bioindicator for potentially toxic constituents. The objective of this work was to study the morphological and physiological changes of L. cruciata exposed to anthracene, to determine its possible role as an indicator organism. M&M: The plant was exposed to different concentrations of anthracene and germination percentage of gemma was evaluated, along with growth, bioaccumulation and chlorophyll content determined in thallus. Results & Conclusions: Anthracene did not affect gemma germination, although it caused a "rosette" morphology and decreased thallus growth. On the other hand, it was observed that L. cruciata accumulated anthracene in cell walls. Anthracene did not affect the total chlorophyll content, although the ratio of chlorophylls a and b varied, with chlorophyll a decreasing and chlorophyll b increasing. This could cause a decrease in photosynthetic yield, leading to reduced plant growth. The results demonstrated that this species is tolerant to anthracene and could be used as bioindicator of PAHs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-contamination by organic pollutants and toxicmetals is common in anthropogenic and industrial environments. In this study, the five fungal strains Chaetomium jodhpurense (MH667651.1), Chaetomium maderasense (MH665977.1), Paraconiothyrium variabile (MH667653.1), Emmia lacerata, and Phoma betae (MH667655.1), previously isolated in Tunisia, were investigated for the simultaneous removal and detoxification of phenanthrene (PHE) and benzo[a]anthracene (BAA), as well as heavy metals (HMs) (Cu, Zn, Pb and Ag) in Kirk's media. The removal was analysed using HPLC, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled to a QToF mass spectrometer, transmission electron microscopy, and toxicology was assessed using phytotoxicity (Lepidium sativum seeds) and Microtox® (Allivibrio fisherii) assays. The PHE and BAA degradation rates, in free HMs cultures, reached 78.8% and 70.7%, respectively. However, the addition of HMs considerably affected the BAA degradation rate. The highest degradation rates were associated with the significant production of manganese-peroxidase, lignin peroxidase, and unspecific peroxygenase. The Zn and Cu removal efficacy was considerably higher with live cells than dead cells. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the involvement of both bioaccumulation and biosorption processes in fungal HM removal. The environmental toxicological assays proved that simultaneous PAH and HM removal was accompanied by detoxification. The metabolites produced during co-treatment were not toxic for plant tissues, and the acute toxicity was reduced. The obtained results indicate that the tested fungi can be applied in the remediation of sites simultaneously contaminated with PAHs and HMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abundant plant species in arid industrial areas are mining phyto-resources for sustainable phyto-management. However, the association with their rhizosphere is still poorly known for phytoremediation purposes. This study aims to assess the heavy metals (HMs) and metalloids uptake of Lygeum spartum Loefl. ex L. growing in cement plant vicinity and screen associated culturome for potential phytoremediation use. Bioaccumulation factor (BAF), the translocation factor (TF), and the mobility ratio (MR) were studied along with four sites. Lipid peroxidation (MDA), free proline (Pro), Non-protein thiols (NPTs), and reduced glutathione (GSH) were tested for evaluating the plant antioxidative response. Bacteria and fungi associated with L. spartum Loefl. ex L. were identified by 16S rRNA and fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS1-ITS2) gene sequencing. Our results showed an efficient uptake of As, Pb, and Zn and enhanced GSH (0.34 ± 0.03) and NPTs (528.7 ± 14.4 nmol g−1 FW) concentrations in the highly polluted site. No significant variation of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) was found. Among 29 bacterial isolates, potential bioremediation were Bacillus simplex and Bacillus atrophaeus. Thus, L. spartum Loefl. ex L. and its associated microbiota have the potential for phytoremediation applications. Novelty statement: This work has been set in line with the investigation of the integrative biology of Lygeum spartum Loefl ex L. and the screening of its associated microbiome for potential phytoremediation applications. This work is the first work conducted in a cement plant vicinity investigating the associated fungi and bacteria of L. spartum Loefl. ex L. and been part of a sectorial research project since 2011, for assessing the impact of industrial pollution and recognizing the accumulation potential of plant species for further phyto-management applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In previous decades, white-rot fungi as bioremediation agents have been the subjects of scientific research due to the potential use of their unspecific oxidative enzymes. However, some non-white-rot fungi, mainly belonging to the Ascomycota and Zygomycota phylum, have demonstrated their potential in the enzymatic transformation of environmental pollutants, thus overcoming some of the limitations observed in white-rot fungi with respect to growth in neutral pH, resistance to adverse conditions and the capacity to surpass autochthonous microorganisms. Despite their presence in so many soil and water environments, little information exists on the enzymatic mechanisms and degradation pathways involved in the transformation of hydrocarbons by these fungi. This review describes the bioremediation potential of non-ligninolytic fungi with respect to chlorinated hydrocarbons and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and also shows known conversion pathways and the prospects for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging and unregulated contaminants end up in soils via stabilized/composted sewage sludges, paired with possible risks associated with the development of microbial resistance to antimicrobial agents or an imbalance in the microbial communities. An enrichment experiment was performed, fortifying the sewage sludge with carbamazepine, ketoprofen and diclofenac as model compounds, with the aim to obtain strains with the capability to transform these pollutants. Culturable microorganisms were obtained at the end of the experiment. Among fungi, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Alternaria alternata and Penicillium raistrickii showed remarkable degradation rates. Population shifts in bacterial and fungal communities were also studied during the selective pressure using Illumina MiSeq. These analyses showed a predominance of Ascomycota (Dothideomycetes and Aspergillaceae) and Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria, suggesting the possibility of selecting native microorganisms to carry out bioremediation processes using tailored techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are among the most persistent xenobiotic compounds, with high toxicity effects. Mycoremediation with halophilic Aspergillus sydowii was used for their removal from a hypersaline medium (1 M NaCl). A. sydowii metabolized PAHs as sole carbon sources, resulting in the removal of up to 90% for both PAHs [benzo [a] pyrene (BaP) and phenanthrene (Phe)] after 10 days. Elimination of Phe and BaP was almost exclusively due to biotransformation and not adsorption by dead mycelium and did not correlate with the activity of lignin modifying enzymes (LME). Transcriptomes of A. sydowii grown on PAHs, or on glucose as control, both at hypersaline conditions, revealed 170 upregulated and 76 downregulated genes. Upregulated genes were related to starvation, cell wall remodelling, degradation and metabolism of xenobiotics, DNA/RNA metabolism, energy generation, signalling and general stress responses. Changes of LME expression levels were not detected, while the chloroperoxidase gene, possibly related to detoxification processes in fungi, was strongly upregulated. We propose that two parallel metabolic pathways (mitochondrial and cytosolic) are involved in degradation and detoxification of PAHs in A. sydowii resulting in intracellular oxidation of PAHs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive transcriptomic analysis on fungal degradation of PAHs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An extracellular peroxygenase of Agrocybe aegerita catalyzed the H2O2-dependent hydroxylation of the multi-function beta-adrenergic blocker propranolol (1-naphthalen-1-yloxy-3-(propan-2-ylamino)propan-2-ol) and the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac (2-[2-[(2,6-dichlorophenyl)amino]phenyl]acetic acid) to give the human drug metabolites 5-hydroxypropranolol (5-OHP) and 4′-hydroxydiclofenac (4′-OHD). The reactions proceeded regioselectively with high isomeric purity and gave the desired 5-OHP and 4′-OHD in yields up to 20% and 65%, respectively. 18O-labeling experiments showed that the phenolic hydroxyl groups in 5-OHP and 4′-OHD originated from H2O2, which establishes that the reaction is mechanistically a peroxygenation. Our results raise the possibility that fungal peroxygenases may be useful for versatile, cost-effective, and scalable syntheses of drug metabolites. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Degradation ability of Thielavia sp for NP, 4- tert -OP and 2,4-DCP was evaluated. • An efficient elimination of the tested pollutants was detected. • Removal was associated with laccase and biosorption process. • Degradation metabolites showed reduced toxicity compared to the parent compounds. Research on the biodegradation of emerging pollutants is gained great focus regarding their detrimental effects on the environment and humans. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the ability of the ascomycetes Thielavia sp HJ22 to remove the phenolic xenobiotics nonylphenol (NP), 4- tert -octylphenol (4- tert -OP) and 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP). The strain showed efficient degradation of NP and 4- tert -OP with 95% and 100% removal within 8 h of incubation, respectively. A removal rate of 80% was observed with 2,4-DCP within the same time. Under experimental conditions, the degradation of the tested pollutants concomitantly increased with the laccase production and cytochrome P450 monooxygenases inhibition. This study showed the involvement of laccase in pollutants removal together with biosorption mechanisms. Additionally, results demonstrated the participation of cytochrome P450 monooxygenase in the elimination of 2,4-DCP. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed several intermediates, mainly hydroxylated and oxidized compounds with less harmful effects compared to the parent compounds. A decrease in the toxicity of the identified metabolites was observed using Aliivibrio fischeri as bioindicator. The metabolic pathways of degradation were proposed based on the identified metabolites. The results point out the potential of Thielavia strains in the degradation and detoxification of phenolic xenobiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The addition of compost from sewage sludge to soils represents a sustainable option from an environmental and economic point of view, which involves the valorisation of these wastes. However, before their use as a soil amendment, compost has to reach the quality levels according to the normative, including microbial parameters. Viruses are not included in this regulation and they can produce agricultural problems and human diseases if the compost is not well sanitised. In this study, we carried out the analysis of the viral populations during a composting process with sewage sludge at an industrial scale, using semipermeable cover technology. Viral community was characterised by the presence of plant viruses and bacteriophages of enteric bacteria. The phytopathogen viruses were the group with the highest relative abundance in the sewage sludge sample and at 70 days of the composting process. The diversity of bacterial viruses and their specificity, with respect to the more abundant bacterial taxa throughout the process, highlights the importance of the interrelations between viral and bacterial communities in the control of pathogenic communities. These results suggest the possibility of using them as a tool to predict the effectiveness of the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The basidiomycete Ustilago maydis is a biotrophic organism responsible for corn smut disease. In recent years, it has become one of the most promising models for biochemical and biotechnological research due to advantages, such as rapid growth, and easy genetic manipulation. In some aspects, this yeast is more similar to complex eukaryotes, such as humans, compared to standard laboratory yeast models. U. maydis can be employed as a tool to explore physiological processes with more versatility than other fungi. Previously, U. maydis was only considered as a phytopathogenic fungus, but different studies have shown its potential as a research model. Therefore, numerous promising studies have focused on deepening our understanding of the natural interactions, enzyme production, and biotechnological capacity. In this review, we explore general characteristics of U. maydis, both as pathogenic and "innocuous" basidiomycete. Additionally, a comparison with other yeast models focusing on genetic, biochemical, and biotechnological research are analyzed, to emphasize the versatility, dynamism, and novelty that U. maydis has as a research model. In this review, we highlight the applications of the yeast form of the fungus; however, since the filamentous form is also of relevance, it is addressed in the present work, as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • First report describing the potential of halophilic fungi for pollutant bioprocessing. • Aspergillus sydowii and A. destruens remove xenobiotics under low-water activity stress. • Both halophilic aspergilli totally eliminated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. • Five pharmaceuticals are removed by halophilic A. sydowii and A. destruens. • Mycoremediation at highly saline conditions reduces phytotoxicity of wastewater. Abstract Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and pharmaceutical compounds (PhC) are xenobiotics present in many saline wastewaters. Although fungi are known for their ability to remove xenobiotics, the potential of halophilic fungi to degrade highly persistent pollutants was not yet investigated. The use of two halophilic fungi, Aspergillus sydowii and Aspergillus destruens, for the elimination of PAH and PhC at saline conditions was studied. In saline synthetic medium both fungi used benzo-α-pyrene and phenanthrene as sole carbon source and removed over 90% of both PAH, A. sydowii due to biodegradation and A. destruens to bioadsorption. They removed 100% of a mixture of fifteen PAH in saline biorefinery wastewater. Test using Cucumis sativus demonstrated that wastewater treated with the two fungi lowered considerably the phytotoxicity. This study is the first demonstration that ascomycetous halophilic fungi, in contrast to other fungi (and in particular basidiomycetes) can be used for mycotreatments under salinity conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Diclofenac (DFC) is a common anti-inflammatory drug, and has attracted the significant attention due to its massive use around the world and its environmental impact. In this work, we describe for the first time the use of Penicillium oxalicum , an ascomycetes fungus, for the biotransformation of DFC at flask and bench bioreactor scales. We present a complete study of the role of enzymes, metabolic pathway, acute toxicity assays and comparison between free and immobilised biomass. Pellets of P. oxalicum degraded 100 μM of DFC within 24 h, and the activity of CYP450 enzymes was key for the elimination of the drug. The scaling-up to bench bioreactor was optimised by the reduction of nutrients, and characterising the actions of free pellets, polyurethane foam- and plastic K1-immobilised biomass revealed free pellets to be the most efficient DFC removal system (total elimination occurred in 36 h). Hydroxylated metabolites were detected during the process, suggesting that a mixture of biological and physical processes were involved in the elimination of DFC. The use of P. oxalicum reduced the acute toxicity of the medium supplemented with diclofenac and represents a novel and attractive alternative for the elimination of pharmaceutical compounds. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Penicillium oxalicum can degrade high concentrations of diclofenaco. • The CYP450 enzymes are critical for the elimination process in this fungus. • Free cells have the highest removal rate in comparison with fixed biomass. • The main identified metabolites were hydroxylated and photo derivatives compounds. • The acute toxicity was reduced by the treatment with Penicillium oxalicum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The basidiomycete Chondrostereum purpureum (Silverleaf fungus) is a saprotroph and plant pathogen commercially used for combatting forest “weed” trees in vegetation management. However, little is known about its lignocellulose-degrading capabilities and the enzymatic machinery that is responsible for the degradative potential, and it is not yet clear to which group of wood-rot fungi it actually belongs. Here, we sequenced and analyzed the draft genome of C. purpureum (41.2 Mbp) and performed a quantitative proteomic approach during growth in submerged and solid-state cultures based on soybean meal suspension or containing beech wood supplemented with phenol-rich olive mill residues, respectively. The fungus harbors characteristic lignocellulolytic hydrolases (GH6 and GH7) and oxidoreductases (e.g. laccase, heme peroxidases). High abundance of some of these genes (e.g. 45 laccases, nine GH7) can be explained by gene expansion, e.g. identified for the laccase orthogroup ORTHOMCL11 that exhibits a total of 18 lineage-specific duplications. Other expanded genes families encode for proteins more related to a pathogenic lifestyle (e.g. protease and cytochrome P450s). The fungus responds to the presence of complex growth substrates (lignocellulose, phenolic residues) by the secretion of most of these lignocellulolytic and lignin-modifying enzymes (e.g. alcohol and aryl alcohol oxidases, laccases, GH6, GH7). Based on the genetic and enzymatic constitution, we consider the ‘marasmioid’ fungus C. purpureum as a ‘phytopathogenic’ white-rot fungus (WRF) that possesses a complex extracellular enzyme machinery to accomplish efficient lignocellulose degradation during both saprotrophic and phytopathogenic life phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were identified as hazardous contaminants that are ubiquitous and persistent in aquatic environments, where bryophytes sensu lato (mosses, liverworts and hornworts) are frequently present. Marchantia polymorpha (Class Hepaticae ; thalloid liverwort) is known to respond fast to changes in the environment; it accumulates toxic substances in its tissues due to the lack of vascular and radicular systems and a reduced or absent cuticle. The objective of the present study was to quantify the effects of increasing concentrations of anthracene (0, 50 100, 280 μM) on the germination of propagules, plant morphology and chlorophyll content index (CCI) in M. polymorpha under in vitro cultures. The results show that anthracene had no statistical effect on germination or propagula formation. However, plants exposed to anthracene for 30 days showed significantly lowered the content of chlorophyll (measured as CCI), irregular growth patterns and the induction of thalli asexual reproduction as evidenced by the production of multicellular viable propagules in gemmae cups. Results of epifluorescence microscopy also showed concomitant accumulation of anthracene in the cell walls. All of these distinctive morphological and physiological adaptive responses indicators, clearly suggest that M. polymorpha are capable of resisting high (coal tar) anthracene concentrations. Highlights • Liverworts plants are tolerant to anthracene. • Anthracene is detected in Marchantia polymorpha the cell walls. • Anthracene alters chlorophyll content, biomass and plant morphology. • Asexual reproduction structures are related to stress induced by contamination with anthracene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The urgent need for better disposal and recycling of plastics has motivated a search for microbes with the ability to degrade synthetic polymers. While microbes capable of metabolizing polyurethane and polyethylene terephthalate have been discovered and even leveraged in enzymatic recycling approaches, microbial degradation of additive-free polypropylene (PP) remains elusive. Here we report the isolation and characterization of two fungal strains with the potential to degrade pure PP. Twenty-seven fungal strains, many isolated from hydrocarbon contaminated sites, were screened for degradation of commercially used textile plastic. Of the candidate strains, two identified as Coniochaeta hoffmannii and Pleurostoma richardsiae were found to colonize the plastic fibers using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Further experiments probing degradation of pure PP films were performed using C. hoffmannii and P. richardsiae and analyzed using SEM, Raman spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR). The results showed that the selected fungi were active against pure PP, with distinct differences in the bonds targeted and the degree to which each was altered. Whole genome and transcriptome sequencing was conducted for both strains and the abundance of carbohydrate active enzymes, GC content, and codon usage bias were analyzed in predicted proteomes for each. Enzymatic assays were conducted to assess each strain's ability to degrade naturally occurring compounds as well as synthetic polymers. These investigations revealed potential adaptations to hydrocarbon-rich environments and provide a foundation for further investigation of PP degrading activity in C. hoffmannii and P. richardsiae. [Display omitted] • Fungi Pleurostoma richardsiae and Coniochaeta hoffmannii grow on polypropylene. • Both fungi transform polypropylene, targeting different chemical bonds. • Both fungi produce a wide spectrum of extracellular enzymes. • Hydrocarbon-contaminated environment may enrich for plastic degraders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A laccase-producing ascomycete was isolated from arid soil in Tunisia. This fungus was identified as Thielavia sp. using the phylogenetic analysis of rDNA internal transcribed spacers. The extracellular laccase produced by the fungus was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity, showing a molecular mass around 70 kDa. The enzyme had an optimum pH of 5.0 and 6.0 for ABTS and 2,6‑DMP, respectively and it showed remarkable high thermal stability, showing its optimal temperature at 70 °C (against 2,6‑DMP). It presented slight inhibiting effect by EDTA, SDS and l ‑cyst although this effect was more marked by sodium azide (0.1 mM). On the other hand, it showed tolerance to up to 300 mM NaCl, retaining around 50% of its activity at 900 mM. Among the metal ions tested on TaLac1, Mn2+ showed an activating effect. Their kinetic parameters K m and k cat were 23.7 μM and 4.14 s−1 for ABTS, and 24.3 μM and 3.46 s−1 towards 2,6‑DMP. The purified enzyme displayed greater efficiency in Remazol Brilliant Blue R decolorization (90%) in absence of redox mediator, an important property for biotechnological applications. Highlights • An ascomycete isolated from arid soil exhibiting high laccase activity was identified as Thielavia sp. • Its purified extracellular laccase enhanced its activity in presence of Mn2+. • It showed high tolerance to common laccase inhibitors (EDTA, SDS and l -cysteine). • The purified enzyme decolorizes efficiently an anthraquinonic-type dye without redox mediator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An autotrophic nitrogen removal bioreactor with granular biomass was exposed to high antibiotics concentration in order to evaluate its impact over the performance and the biomass of this bioprocess. A mixture of azithromycin, norfloxacin, trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole caused loss of autotrophic nitrogen removal performance, coupled to a deep change in the bacterial community diversity and structure of the granular biomass. Azithromycin, norfloxacin and trimethoprim were efficiently removed in the CANON bioreactor, reducing its concentration 77.9 ± 11.2%, 51.7 ± 10.7% and 57.8 ± 8.1%, respectively. The granular biomass changed significantly with the addition of the antibiotics, decreasing in settling velocity but increasing in compactness, losing its inner porous structure but developing a protective outer layer build of cell material. Prolonged operation under the antibiotics loading promoted the adaptation of multi-drug resistant fungus Scedosporium boydii fungal species and of Acidovorax ebreus TPSY , Alcaligenes aquatilis , Paracoccus versutus or Ochrobactrum antropii , which have been identified as human, animal and/or plant pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The detoxification of dry olive-mill residue (DOR), a lignocellulosic by-product, was investigated using three agaric fungi: Cyclocybe aegerita , Mycetinis alliaceus and Chondrostereum purpureum . The lignin-modifying enzymes (LME) secretion pattern of the above-mentioned fungi such as DyP-type peroxidase (DyP), laccase (Lac), unspecific peroxygenase (UPO), and manganese peroxidase (MnP) was determined in presence and absence of DOR. In C . aegerita , a laccase (Lac) and unspecific peroxygenase (UPO) induction was found when DOR was present in the medium. Thus, these enzymes appeared to be responsible for DOR detoxification and, indirectly, its plant-growth-promoting effect. In the experiment performed with M . alliaceus , no differences were found in DyP-type peroxidase (DyP) secretion when the basal barley medium was supplemented with DOR. However, MnP and Lac activities in DOR-barley reached a maximum after 5 weeks of incubation with a concomitant decline in DOR phytotoxicity. C . purpureum completely eliminated DOR phytotoxicity but no significant production of LME was detected in soy or barley fungal media. Other enzymatic mechanisms were also investigated, in relation to hydrolytic enzymes and the intracellular system cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (CYPs). Our results suggest the participation of a complex enzymatic system (intra and extracellular) in C . purpureum for the biotransformation of DOR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global pharmaceutical pollution caused by drug consumption (>100,000 tonnes) and its disposal into the environment is an issue which is currently being addressed by bioremediation techniques, using single or multiple microorganisms. Nevertheless, the low efficiency and the selection of non-compatible species interfere with the success of this methodology. This paper proposes a novel way of obtaining an effective multi-domain co-culture, with the capacity to degrade multi-pharmaceutical compounds simultaneously. To this end, seven microorganisms (fungi and bacteria) previously isolated from sewage sludge were investigated to enhance their degradation performance. All seven strains were factorially mixed and used to assemble different artificial co-cultures. Consequently, 127 artificial co-cultures were established and ranked, based on their fitness performance, by using the BSocial analysis web tool. The individual strains were categorized according to their social behaviour, whose net effect over the remaining strains was defined as 'Positive', 'Negative' or 'Neutral'. To evaluate the emerging-pollutant degradation rate, the best 10 co-cultures, and those which contained the social strains were then challenged with three different Pharmaceutical Active compounds (PhACs): diclofenac, carbamazepine and ketoprofen. The co-cultures with the fungi Penicillium oxalicum XD-3.1 and Penicillium rastrickii were able to degrade PhACs. However, the highest performance (>80% degradation) was obtained by the minimal active microbial consortia consisting of both Penicillium spp., Cladosporium cladosporoides and co-existing bacteria. These consortia transformed the PhACs to derivate molecules through hydroxylation and were released to the media, resulting in a low ecotoxicity effect. High-throughput screening of co-cultures provides a quick, reliable and efficient method to narrow down suitable degradation co-cultures for emerging PhAC contaminants while avoiding toxic metabolic derivatives. [Display omitted] • A direct correlation between the richness, degradation, and toxicity was found. • The minimal active consortium: P. oxalicum, P. rastrickii and C. cladosporoides. • A 5- and 6-species social consortia obtained the highest degradation tested. • Toxicity was greatly reduced with increasing species-rich consortia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The secretome of the white-rot fungus Bjerkandera adusta produced in synthetic Kirk medium was compared to that supplemented with an aqueous phenol-rich extract of dry olive mill residues (ADOR). Distinct changes in the protein composition of oxidoreductases, namely diverse class-II peroxidases and aryl alcohol oxidases were found. In the ADOR-supplemented medium (ASC), 157 distinct proteins were identified by the secretome analysis, whereas only 59 of them were identified without ADOR supplementation (Kirk medium culture; KM). Proteome analysis indicated that the number of peroxidases produced in ASC was more than doubled (from 4 to 11) compared to KM. Two short manganese peroxidases (MnP1 and MnP6) and one versatile peroxidase (VP1) represented 29% of the relative abundance (NSAF) in ASC. Two of them (MnP1 and VP1) were also detected in KM at a relative abundance (NSAF) of only 3%. Further peroxidases present in ASC were one lignin peroxidase (LiP2), one generic peroxidase (GP) and three dye-decolorizing peroxidases (DyPs). The relative abundance of DyPs and aryl alcohol oxidases (AAO) were lower in ASC in comparison to KM. In addition to peptide sequence analysis, the secretion of Mn 2+ -oxidizing peroxidases as well as AAOs were followed by enzyme measurement. The Mn 2+ -oxidizing activity increased nearly 30-fold (from 10 to 281 U l −1 ) after ADOR addition. Two enzymes responsible for that activity were successfully purified ( Bad VPI and Bad VPII). To prove a potential involvement of these enzymes in the degradation of aromatic compounds, Bad VPI was tested for its ability to degrade the recalcitrant dehydrogenated polymer (DHP, synthetic lignin). These results show that natural phenol-rich materials act as secretome-stimulating additives. Applying these substances enables us to investigate fungal degradation and detoxification processes and gives more insight into the complexity of fungal secretomes, e.g. of white-rot fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The behaviour of tomato plants inoculated with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi grown in the presence of aqueous extracts from dry olive residue (ADOR) was studied in order to understand how this symbiotic relationship helps plants to cope with oxidative stress caused by ADOR. The influence of AM symbiosis on plant growth and other physiological parameters was also studied. Tomato plants were inoculated with the AM fungus Funneliformis mosseae and were grown in the presence of ADOR bioremediated and non-bioremediated by Coriolopsis floccosa and Penicillium chrysogenum-10. The antioxidant response as well as parameters of oxidative damage were examined in roots and leaves. The data showed a significant increase in the biomass of AM plant growth in the presence of ADOR, regardless of whether it was bioremediated. The establishment and development of the symbiosis were negatively affected after plants were exposed to ADOR. No differences were observed in the relative water content (RWC) or PS II efficiency between non-AM and AM plants. The increase in the enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD; EC 1.15.1.1), catalase (CAT; EC 1.11.1.6) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST; EC 2.5.1.18) were simultaneous to the reduction of MDA levels and H2O2 content in AM root growth in the presence of ADOR. Similar H2O2 levels were observed among non-AM and AM plants, although only AM plants showed reduced lipid peroxidation content, probably due to the involvement of antioxidant enzymes. The results highlight how the application of both bioremediated ADOR and AM fungi can alleviate the oxidative stress conditions, improving the growth and development of tomato plants. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Conditions for SSF with DOR have been set up using dung- and wood-dwelling fungi. [•] DOR stimulates the secretion of novel extracellular fungal biocatalysts. [•] Soluble aromatics undergo a shift from lower to higher molecular mass fractions. [•] The exhausted bio-remediated by-product is able to enhance tomato plant growth. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: ADOR is an aqueous extract obtained from the dry olive mill residue (DOR) which contains the majority of its soluble phenolic compounds, which are responsible for its phytotoxic properties. Some studies have shown that ADOR negatively affects seed germination. However, to date, few studies have been carried out on the effect of ADOR on the oxidative stress of the plant. It is well known that saprobe fungi can detoxify these phenolic compounds and reduce the potential negative effects of ADOR on plants. To gain a better understanding of the phytotoxic effects and oxidative stress caused by this residue, tomato seeds were germinated in the presence of ADOR, treated and untreated with Coriolopsis rigida, Trametes versicolor, Pycnoporus cinnabarinus and Penicillium chrysogenum-10 saprobe fungi. ADOR sharply reduced tomato seed germination and also generated high levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), and H2O2. However, bioremediated ADOR did not negatively affect germination and reduced MDA, and H2O2 content in different ways depending on the fungus used. In addition, the induced defense response was studied by analyzing the activity of both antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, ascorbate peroxidasa, glutathione reductase (GR), peroxidases and coniferil alcohol peroxidasa) and detoxification enzymes (glutathione-S-transferase (GST)). Our findings suggest that, because ADOR is capable of inducing oxidative stress, tomato seedlings trigger a defense response through SOD, GR, and GST activity and through antioxidant and lignification processes. On the other hand, the bioremediation of ADOR plays an important role in counteracting the oxidative stress induced by the untreated residue. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Pharmaceutical active compounds (PhACs) are molecules used for the treatment of physiological disorders that can generate environmental imbalances when discharged into wastewater. In this work, the use of Penicillium oxalicum XD-3.1 as bioremediation tool for the elimination of PhACs in non-sterile real hospital wastewater in batch bench scale bioreactor and its impact on microbial community was evaluated. A quantitative analysis using UHPLC-QToF was performed under three different conditions to determine the elimination of the different (PhACs) by this ascomycetes fungus. On the other hand, the changes on microbial community over time were analysed using Illumina MiSeq sequencing platform and a phylogenetic microarray (PhyloChip). P. oxalicum XD-3.1 was able to reduce the concentration of the majority of the analysed PhACs in 24 h such as ketoprofen, naproxen and paracetamol. Moreover, P. oxalicum inhibited the native fungal populations present in the wastewater, including opportunistic human pathogens such as Mycosphaerella and Drechslera, as well as some bacterial human pathogens belonging to Clostridiaceae and Brucellaceae families. However, important degraders such as Pseudomonadaceae bacteria groups remained in the system, indicating a possible natural consortium formation between fungi and bacteria. These results indicate the possibility to use this system for the removal of PhACs in real applications. Image 1 • P. oxalicum XD-3.1 was used as bioaugmented treatment in a fluidised batch bioreactor. • The fungus removed diclofenac, paracetamol and ketoprofen in 24 h. • Fungal populations related with human diseases decreased after bioaugmentation. • Bacterial biodiversity decreased during the treatment. • PhyloChip showed an accurate technology to detect rare populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Microbial communities could be used as a proxy for composting effectiveness. • Bacillales and Actinomycetales were dominant throughout the process. • Physico-chemical variables were linked with microbial representatives. • Ascomycota was the most common phylum at the thermophilic phase. • A semipermeable system was an effective technology for excluding pathogens. Bacterial and fungal communities in a full-scale composting pile were investigated, with sewage sludge and a vegetal bulking agent as starting materials. Bacillales and Actinomycetales were predominant throughout the process, showing significant abundance. Ascomycota was the predominant fungal phylum during the thermophilic phase, with a shift to Basidiomycota at the end of the process. The bulking material was the principal contributor to both communities by the end of the process, with a signal above 50%. The presence of genera, such as Pedomicrobium , Ureibacillus and Tepidimicrobium at the end of the process, and Chaetomium and Arthrographis in the maturation phase, showed an inverse correlation with indicators of organic matter stabilisation. A semipermeable cover was an effective technology for excluding pathogens. These results indicate that changes in the microbial population and their interrelation with operational variables could represent a useful tool for monitoring composting processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ascomycota was the predominant phyla during "alperujo" composting. • Penicillium , Debaryomyces and Sarocladium were the main genera detected. • The abundance of total and active fungal population were increased during composting. • Some Basidiomycota were correlated with humification. • Cystofilobasidium could be a potential fungal biomarker to assess AL compost maturation. Metagenomic and transcriptomic techniques applied to composting could increase our understanding of the overall microbial ecology and could help us to optimise operational conditions which are directly related with economic interest. In this study, the fungal diversity and abundance of two-phase olive mill waste ("alperujo") composting was studied using Illumina MiSeq sequencing and quantitative PCR, respectively. The results showed an increase of the fungal diversity during the process, with Ascomycota being the predominant phylum. Penicillium was the main genera identified at the mesophilic and maturation phases, with Debaryomyces and Sarocladium at the thermophilic phase, respectively. The fungal abundance was increased during composting, which confirms their important role during thermophilic and maturation phases. Some Basidiomycota showed an increased during the process , which showed a positive correlation with the humification parameters. According to that, the genus Cystofilobasidium could be used as a potential fungal biomarker to assess alperujo compost maturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]