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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
Isolation and Selection of Entomopathogenic Fungi from Soil Samples and Evaluation of Fungal Virulence against Insect Pests
Published on: September 28, 2021
A preliminary report of indigenous fungal isolates from contaminated municipal solid waste site in India
Abhishek Kumar Awasthi1,2,3, Akhilesh Kumar Pandey4,5, Jamaluddin Khan4
1Mycological Research Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Rani Durgavati University, Jabalpur, (M.P.), India. akamycotaxo@hotmail.co.in.
Abstract:
Municipal solid waste (MSW) containing harmful substances is a major concern in waste management and can cause adverse effects on diversity of fungi in soil. The main objective was to evaluate the fungal diversity inhabiting in the soil nearby MSW disposal site. The fungal strains were isolated in potato dextrose agar (PDA), media at temperatures 28 ± 1 °C by using standard serial dilution pour plate method, and appeared fungal colonies identified based on morphological characteristics. The overall most fungal diversity was found in soil sample collected from S5, followed by S4, S3, S1, and least in S2 site. A total of 24 fungal isolates recovered from the different MSW sites and Aspergillus sp., Fusarium sp., and Curvularia sp. genus has isolated from all the samples. In addition, the metal tolerance index performed because it needs to classify the fungus for their best use as potential agent for environmental protection. The metal tolerance outcomes revealed that both metals (cadmium and chromium) has appeared as the highest growth inhibitor for most strains and even fungal colonies did not propagate very well on the surface of media. Therefore, these findings suggest that the pre-adapted indigenous fungal isolates have proven remarkable tolerance ability to both metals. Furthermore, these highly metal-tolerant fungal strains are recommended for detail research or can use in pilot-scale bioremediation application to treat contaminated site.
Insights
Municipal solid waste disposal impacts soil fungal diversity. Indigenous fungi show remarkable tolerance to cadmium and chromium, suggesting potential for bioremediation of contaminated sites.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Mycology
Background:
- Municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal poses risks to soil ecosystems.
- Harmful substances in MSW can negatively affect soil fungal diversity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess fungal diversity in soil near an MSW disposal site.
- To identify fungal strains with potential for bioremediation.
Main Methods:
- Fungal isolation using standard serial dilution pour plate method on potato dextrose agar (PDA).
- Identification of fungal colonies based on morphological characteristics.
- Assessment of metal tolerance index for isolated fungal strains.
Main Results:
- Fungal diversity varied across sampling sites, with S5 showing the highest diversity.
- A total of 24 fungal isolates were recovered, including Aspergillus sp., Fusarium sp., and Curvularia sp.
- Cadmium and chromium exhibited significant growth inhibition, but some isolates demonstrated remarkable tolerance.
Conclusions:
- Indigenous soil fungi near MSW sites possess significant metal tolerance.
- These metal-tolerant fungal strains are promising candidates for bioremediation applications.
