Comparative Biodegradation Efficiency of Native Fungal Isolates Against Petroleum, Diesel, and Kerosene in Contaminated Soils

Abstract

Petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) like petroleum, diesel, and kerosene contaminate soils at filling stations, necessitating effective bioremediation. This study evaluates the degradation efficiency of four native fungal isolates (Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus versicolor, Fusarium solani) isolated from Manglia Gaon, Indore. The studies conducted on these hydrocarbons in mineral salt medium (MSM, initial TPH: 2.40 mg/L) for over 15 and 30 days at 25°C. Aspergillus flavus achieved the highest degradation (70–80%), followed by A. fumigatus (65–75%), A. versicolor (60–70%), and F. solani (50–60%). Kerosene, with lighter fractions, degraded fastest. Linear regression models (R²=0.85–0.95) and ANOVA (F=12.45, p<0.001) confirmed significant differences by fungus and hydrocarbon type. These findings highlight the potential of native fungi for targeted bioremediation, with A. flavus as a prime candidate for mixed PHC contamination, informing sustainable remediation strategies for polluted urban soils.