Lignocellulolytic fungi ability to degrade sewage sludge polymers

Abstract

The final disposal of biosolids is a global matter. Polymers such as lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose comprise significant rate of biosolids arrangement. Fungi from Basidiomycota phyllum could degrade these polymers in the drying beds of the treatment plant and it can contribute decreasing final volumes of sludge disposed in the environment. The aim of this study was assess the capacity of 20 lignocellulolytic Basidiomycota fungi to biodegrade the sludge and the polymers that constitute it. Four isolates were selected to carry out sludge biodegradation at different temperatures. In addition, the organic fraction present in the sludge were determined before and after biodegradation. The inoculation of Agaricus bisporus, Fomes fasciatus, Schizophyllum communeand Trametes versicolor has enhanced the degradation of sludge, which is improved upon in higher temperatures. These fungi reduced the total organic carbon content of soluble carbon and polymers present in the sludge. The largest reduction was verified in the hemicellulose fraction, followed by lignin and cellulose. The inoculation performed by fungi capable of degrading sludge is an alternative to reduce the volumes deposited in the environment.