Biodegradation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Contaminated Soil by White-Rot Fungal Inoculation

Abstract

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are persistent organic pollutants commonly found in contaminated soils originating from industrial activities, petroleum processing, incomplete combustion, and hazardous waste disposal. Due to their toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic properties, effective remediation of PAH-contaminated soil is essential for environmental protection and public health safety. The present study investigates the biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in contaminated soil through white-rot fungal inoculation, with emphasis on degradation efficiency, enzymatic activity, and environmental process optimization. White-rot fungi were evaluated for their capability to produce extracellular oxidative enzymes, including lignin peroxidase, manganese peroxidase, and laccase, which facilitate the breakdown of complex aromatic hydrocarbon structures. Experimental analysis was conducted to assess the influence of soil moisture, pH, nutrient supplementation, temperature, and incubation period on PAH degradation performance. Results indicate that fungal inoculation significantly enhances the removal of low- and high-molecular-weight PAHs by promoting oxidative transformation and mineralization processes within the contaminated soil matrix. The study further demonstrates that optimized environmental conditions improve fungal growth and enzymatic activity, resulting in accelerated pollutant degradation and reduced soil toxicity.