Coal degradation through fungal isolate RHC2 from Romanian brown coal sample

Fungal strains, isolated from coal environment, would be one of the best choices for obtaining released organics from coal for subsequent applications. Fungal isolate RHC2 was isolated from the surface of Romanian brown coal sample, and lignite degradation was investigated. The treatment of lignite sample, which originated from Thar coalfield, revealed the release of polyaromatic hydrocarbons, single ring aromatics, and aromatic nitrogen compounds, which were identified through Excitation-Emission Matrix Spectroscopy and Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometry. Released organic fractions may find applications in above-surface coal methanogenesis.