Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1016/j.envpol.2011.05.008
Title (Primary) Dispersal networks for enhancing bacterial degradation in heterogeneous environments
Author Banitz, T. ORCID logo ; Wick, L.Y.; Fetzer, I.; Frank, K. ORCID logo ; Harms, H.; Johst, K.
Source Titel Environmental Pollution
Year 2011
Department OESA; UMB
Volume 159
Issue 10
Page From 2781
Page To 2788
Language englisch
Keywords Organic pollutants; Environmental heterogeneities; Fungal networks; Bioremediation; Simulation model
Abstract

Successful biodegradation of organic soil pollutants depends on their bioavailability to catabolically active microorganisms. In particular, environmental heterogeneities often limit bacterial access to pollutants. Experimental and modelling studies revealed that fungal networks can facilitate bacterial dispersal and may thereby improve pollutant bioavailability. Here, we investigate the influence of such bacterial dispersal networks on biodegradation performance under spatially heterogeneous abiotic conditions using a process-based simulation model. To match typical situations in polluted soils, two types of abiotic conditions are studied: heterogeneous bacterial dispersal conditions and heterogeneous initial resource distributions. The model predicts that networks facilitating bacterial dispersal can enhance biodegradation performance for a wide range of these conditions. Additionally, the time horizon over which this performance is assessed and the network’s spatial configuration are key factors determining the degree of biodegradation improvement. Our results support the idea of stimulating the establishment of fungal mycelia for enhanced bioremediation of polluted soils.

Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=11257
Banitz, T., Wick, L.Y., Fetzer, I., Frank, K., Harms, H., Johst, K. (2011):
Dispersal networks for enhancing bacterial degradation in heterogeneous environments
Environ. Pollut. 159 (10), 2781 - 2788 10.1016/j.envpol.2011.05.008