THE ADAPTATION OF FUNGI TO PENTACHLOROPHENOL AND ITS BIODEGRADATION

Abstract

In a study of adaptation of fungi to pentachlorophenol, only one isolate of Cephaloascus fragrans, which had originally low tolerance, was adapted to concentrations of this fungicide and became as tolerant as other isolates of the same species. This suggested that the other cultures of this fungus were isolated as tolerant strains. Pentachlorophenol was degraded by three species of Trichoderma in malt extract solution in a relatively short, 12-day incubation period. Other fungi, including C. fragrans, failed to show any capacity for degradation.