Characterizing filamentous fungi from Puerto Rico for the bioremediation of organic compounds

We developed more difficult examination criteria (by the fungi’s perspective) by evaluating the fungal isolates’ ability to grow in minimal media with model toxins as their sole carbon source. We grew isolates on Petri plates containing minimal media plus either 0.02% v/v toluene or 0.02% v/v chlorobenzene. Surprisingly, we observed that several of our isolates exhibited healthy colony growth suggesting they were degrading the compounds as a sole carbon and micronutrient source.