McLeod, Chase, Mishael Umlor and David Hammond

Title:
Remediation of E. Coli Contaminated Surface Water in Arizona via Fungi

Abstract:
Many of Arizona’s surface waters are contaminated to unacceptable levels with Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. The most prevalent E. coli cases nearby Northern Arizona are Oak Creek and the Verde River. Research shows that fungal species may be used to remediate many pollutants in water, including E. Coli. Minimal research has applied fungi to remediate surface waters in arid climates. This project focuses on quantifying the capacity of common Arizona fungi to remove E. coli from water – the first step toward implementing fungal-based biotechnology for the restoration of contaminated surface water in arid climates.

Research and testing of four fungal strains was performed to determine their individual capacities for removing E. coli from water. The tested fungi included: Pleurotus ostreatus, Stropharia rugosoannulata, Trichoderma asperellum, and Trametes versicolor. The biofilter design consisted of small-scaled identical vertical columns which were aseptically packed with aspen wood chips, nutritive broth, and the respective fungal test strain per filter tube. After a five-week growth period, the filters were tested with water containing known amounts of E. coli. The flowrate for each fungal column was standardized, assuring each fungus was tested in like manner. A control column with no fungi accounted for any E. coli removal due to the media. An additional control contained dead fungi, accounting for any biosorption due to the fungal hyphae. The concentration of E. coli coming out of each column was quantified using EPA approved methods. Each species had three replicate test columns, providing ample data for statistical analysis.

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