Biodegradation of hexadecane in liquid and solid-state fermentations by Aspergillus niger

The biodegradation and mineralisation of hexadecane (HXD) by Aspergillus niger were studied in SmF and Solid-state fermentation (SSF). HXD concentrations ranging from 45 to 180 g/l (SSF) and from 20 to 80 g/l (SmF) were tested. HXD consumption was three times higher and fungal growth was up to 30 times faster in SSi than in SmF. The maximum HXD consumption in, SmF was 62% (18% mineralised) and in SSF 100% (52% mineralised) for initial HXD concentrations of 20 and 45 g/l, respectively. The respiratory quotient in SmF increased (from 0.85 to 1.08) with increase in HXD concentration, while it Was independent (similar to 0.68) of the initial HXD concentration in SSF. These results showed that the consumption rate and biodegradation efficiency for HXD were higher in SSF than in SmF. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.