Biological characterization of contamined sites. Isolation of soil fungal species from contamined areas of Italy and Czech Republic to select tolerant species with potential in bioremediation of hexachlorocyclohexane

Concerning the integration of physicochemical and biological characterization of contaminated sites, the study of soil microbial community represents an important step to shed further light on the environmental contest. To date, the metabolic and morphological versatility of fungi underpins practically all bioremediation applications, but often is still untapped. Fungi play important roles in soil, providing and supporting ecological services for ecosystems and human wellbeing. They can survive in high concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (e.g. pesticides) by possessing mechanisms for the degradation, utilization and transformation of organic substrates. In this research, we have isolated fungal species occurring in samples from sites of Italy and Czech Republic with high concentration of hexachlorocyclohexane. Isolates belonging to Ascomycota, Zygomycota and anamorphic fungi have been identified. Some of them have been reported in literature for the biotransformation of organic pollutants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and pesticides. Moreover, we have investigated the tolerance of selected fungal species to different isomers of hexachlorocyclohexane by using tolerance indices (Rt:Rc, T.I.). For their adaptation to stressful environmental conditions, fungal species isolated from contaminated sites may provide opportunities for new environmentally-friendly, integrated and cost-effective approaches for environmental management and restoration.