Exophiala sideris, a novel black yeast isolated from environments polluted with toxic alkyl benzenes and arsenic

A novel species of the black yeast genus Exophiala (order Chaetothyriales) is described. Strains were repeatedly obtained by enriching samples of wild berries from different plants, guano-rich soil and from oak railway ties treated with arsenic creosote under a toluene-rich atmosphere. An identical strain was encountered in a closed arsenic mine polluted by alkyl benzenes. Its potential use for purposes of bioremediation is discussed.

► A new black yeast was isolated from environments rich in arsenic and toxic hydrocarbons.
► Assimilation of aromatics was not proven but a high tolerance of arsenate was proven.
► The fungus is non-pathogenic and is of interest for the arsenic bioremediation.