Bioremediation of Detergents Using Fungi Isolated from a Fresh Water Pond in Tamil Nadu, India

Author(s): R. Sivakami*

Abstract: Detergents are widely used throughout the world in both industrial and domestic premises for washing various materials. They are also used in pesticide formulations for dispensing oil spills in sea. However, in aquatic systems they can cause extensive damage to organisms. Various microorganisms including fungi have an ability to degrade detergents. Hence the present study was attempted in analyzing the biodegradability of detergents using five species of fungi. Results indicate that biodegradability of detergents ranged between 62.40 and 82.10% for Surf Excel and 54.20 and 70.24% for Challenge. Among the various fungi, Aspergillrs terreus recorded highest degradability and Fusarium oxysporum the lowest degradability for both the detergents. Nevertheless, the study clearly reveals that fungi has the ability to degrade detergents atleast at different levels.

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