Evaluation of Filamentous Fungi and Yeasts for the Biodegradation of Sugarcane Distillery Wastewater

Abstract

Sugarcane Distillery Spent Wash (DSW) is among the most pollutant industrial effluents, generally characterized by high Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), high mineral matters and acidic pH, causing strong environmental impacts. Bioremediation is considered to be a good and cheap alternative to DSW treatment. In this study, 37 strains of yeasts and filamentous fungi were performed to assess their potential to significantly reduce four parameters characterizing the organic load of vinasses (COD, pH, minerals and OD475nm). In all cases, a pH increase (until a final pH higher than 8.5, being an increase superior to 3.5 units, as compared to initial pH) and a COD and minerals removal could be observed, respectively (until 76.53% using Aspergillus terreus var. africanus and 77.57% using Aspergillus niger). Depending on the microorganism, the OD475nm could decrease (generally when filamentous fungi were used) or increase (generally when yeasts were used). Among the strains tested, the species from Aspergillus and Trametes genus offered the best results in the depollution of DSW. Concomitant with the pollutant load removal, fungal biomass, with yields exceeding 20 g·L−1, was produced.

Microbial Secondary Metabolism and Biotechnology

“…High added-value products generated from waste are particularly encouraged through the European directive 2009/28/CE [3] and are an economically favorable way to perform bioremediation. Thus, Chuppa-Tostain et al (2020) [25] selected 37 strains of yeasts and filamentous fungi to test their abilities in reducing the organic load of vinasses, through measuring their impact on COD, pH, minerals and OD 475nm parameters. Among the strains tested, the species from Aspergillus and Trametes genus offered the best results in the depollution of DSW.…”

Post-Industrial Use of Sugarcane Ethanol Vinasse: A Systematic Review

“…In [111], bio-digested vinasse was used to produce biomass by growing Chlorella Vulgaris. In Chuppa-Tostain et al [112], the authors report that the use of filamentous fungi and yeasts for the treatment of sugarcane vinasse is very promising and viable.…”

Cultivation of plant-growth promoters in vinasse: contributions for a circular and green economy

“…Several reports analyzed the microbial treatment of vinasse. In these cases, the microbial metabolism consumes the organic compounds and converts them to CO 2 and water, reducing the toxicity of vinasse (Chuppa-Tostain et al, 2020; España-Gamboa et al, 2011). The main drawback for the effective application of these bioremediation processes are the enormous volumes of vinasse generated in a daily basis.…”