Fungal communities in PAH-impacted sediments of Genoa-Voltri Harbour (NW Mediterranean, Italy)

Organic matter (in terms of carbohydrates and proteins), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and bacterial density were investigated in the sediments of three stations in Genoa-Voltri Harbour (NW Mediterranean), and related to the sedimentary fungal community. Sites were significantly different in all investigated parameters (ANOVA, p < 0.05), and a sharp gradient of impact in the area was found. All the 81 strains of filamentous fungi isolated, belonging to 7 genera, appeared to be linked with PAHs (p < 0.05; r = 0.95), whereas bacterial density was positively correlated with organic matter content (p < 0.05; r = 0.98). Within the fungal community, strains with a high capability to degrade xenobiotics were found. Among the genera identified, Penicillium, Mucor and Cladosporium showed the highest frequency in the sites where the heaviest concentrations of PAHs were recorded. This study suggests that fungal communities are important for in situ degradation of xenobiotics in impacted sediments.