Fungal biodegradation and multi-level toxicity assessment of vinasse from distillation of winemaking by-products. (January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fernandes, Joana M.C.; Sousa, Rose Marie O.F.; Fraga, Irene; Sampaio, Ana; Amaral, Carla; Bezerra, Rui M.F.; Dias, Albino A.
• Is Part Of: Chemosphere. Volume 238(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-01
• Subjects: Bioremediation -- Toxicity assessment -- Vinasse -- Winemaking by-products -- White-rot fungi; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Physiological effect -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Atmospheric chemistry -- Periodicals; 551.511
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.124572
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-6535

Abstract

Abstract: The wastewaters from distilleries of winemaking by-products, a scarcely studied type of vinasse, were treated by white-rot fungal strains from species Irpex lacteus, Ganoderma resinaceum, Trametes versicolor, Phlebia rufa and Bjerkandera adusta . The main objectives of this study were to evaluate fungal performance during vinasse biodegradation, their enzyme patterns and ecotoxicity evolution throughout treatment. Despite all strains were able to promote strong (>80%) dephenolization and reduction of total organic carbon (TOC), P. rufa was less affected by vinasse toxicity and exhibit better decolorization. In batch cultures at 28 °C and pH 4.0, the first phase of P. rufa biodegradation kinetics was characterized by strong metabolic activity with simultaneous depletion of TOC, phenolics and sugars. The main events of second phase are the increase of peroxidases production after the peak of laccase activity, and strong color removal. At the end of treatment, it was observed highly significant (p < 0.001) abatement of pollution parameters (83–100% removal). Since water reclamation and reuse for e.g. crop irrigation is a priority issue, vinasse ecotoxicity was assessed with bioindicators representing three different phylogenetic and trophic levels: a marine bacterium ( Aliivibrio fischeri ), a freshwater microcrustacean ( Daphnia magna ) and a dicotyledonous macrophyte ( Lepidium sativum ). It was observed significant (p < 0.05) reduction of initial vinasse toxicity, as evaluated by these bioindicators, deserving special mention an almost complete phytotoxicity elimination. Highlights: White-rot fungi present high variability in respect to vinasse pollution abatement. Threefold fungal biomass increase due to degradation and uptake of vinasse compounds. Phenolics, TOC and vinasse color were significantly reduced throughout P. rufa biodegradation. Acute toxicity of treated vinasse decreased for A. fischeri and D. magna (75%). P. rufa almost completely eliminated vinasse phytotoxicity.