Degradation of the main components of cellulose-paint thinner by the mould Scopulariopsis brevicaulis cultured on rice hulls.
OBJECTIVE
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.


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.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first report of volatile organic compounds biodegradation by this fungal species.
Alba
J
J
Departamento de Biotecnología y Bioingeniería, Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del IPN, México D.F., México. joel_alba@infosel.net.mx
Conde
E
E
Pérez-Guevara
F
F
D019840:2-Propanol / Q000378:metabolism; D000096:Acetone / Q000378:metabolism; D001203:Ascomycota / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000378:metabolism*; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D002482:Cellulose; D003470:Culture Media; D012275:Oryza / Q000737:chemistry / Q000382:microbiology; D010150:Paint; D012997:Solvents / Q000378:metabolism*; D014050:Toluene / Q000378:metabolism; D014992:Xylenes / Q000378:metabolism
D003470:Culture Media; D012997:Solvents; D014992:Xylenes; D000096:Acetone; D014050:Toluene; D002482:Cellulose; D019840:2-Propanol