Ternary Mixture Biodegraded by a Fungal-Bacterial Consortium: Interaction, Kinetic Analysis, and Performance Evaluation

Multiorganic compounds are commonly found in contaminated environments, and the utilization of pure microbial strains for their removal is inefficient. The present study was conducted to evaluate whether the use of a consortium of Aspergillus fumigatus HD2, Ophiostoma stenoceras LLC, and Zoogloea resiniphila HJ showed improved removal of a mixture of alpha (α)-pinene, n-butyl acetate, and ortho (o)-xylene in water when compared to the use of each strain. Carbon balance analysis indicated that more mineralized compounds were produced by the consortium. Microbial analysis indicated the ratio of A. fumigates and Z. resiniphila remained 1∶1, while O. stenoceras grew more slowly than the other two strains. Substrate inhibition models showed that the Levenspiel model was optimal for α-pinene and n-butyl acetate, while the Edwards model was better for o-xylene. Finally, gaseous ternary mixture removal was achieved in a continuous-flow system, indicating that this consortium would have great potential in future full-scale applications of organic treatments.