Isolation and Colonial Morphological Characterization of Fungal Species in Copper Laden Sediments of Calancan Bay, Marinduque
Glenn Sia Su *
Biology Department, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines
Erin Liane Fernandez
Biology Department, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines.
Maureen Margaret Masigan
Biology Department, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines.
Mary Ann Sison
Medical Microbiology Department, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines.
Maria Lilibeth Sia Su
College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines.
Elena Ragragio
Biology Department, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines.
Alma Alice Bungay
Medical Microbiology Department, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: The aim of our study was to isolate and characterized the potential fungal species, which can be used for future rehabilitation of these environment.
Study Design: Cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: Calancan Bay, Marinduque, between November 2011 and December 2012.
Methodology: Copper-laden sediments were obtained in the Calancan Bay; cultured and fungal species were examined morphologically by both macroscopic and microscopic means. Edaphic factors (soil temperature, moisture, pH, organic matter, and texture) were also determined in all randomly selected stations.
Results: Five fungal genera were isolated from the Calancan Bay, namely, Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., Fonsecaea sp., Trichoderma sp. and Fusarium sp.
Conclusion: The diversity and occurrence of the isolated fungal species were dependent on the edaphic factors emanating in the area.
Keywords: Fungi, copper, edaphic, heavy metal.