Comparison of distribution of oil-degrading filamentous fungi on subtropical Iriomote Island, Japan, and tropical Con Dao Island, Vietnam

Tropical Con Dao Island, Vietnam, harbors more oil-degrading filamentous fungi (ODF) with higher temperature resistance compared to subtropical Iriomote Island, Japan. The study isolated 23 ODF from sediment and water samples across both islands, revealing that while Iriomote had higher fungal counts in sediments, Con Dao's isolates demonstrated superior survival at elevated temperatures (42°C). Notably, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Trichoderma species from Con Dao exhibited robust oil-degradation potential under tropical conditions, contrasting with Iriomote's less heat-tolerant ODF. This suggests tropical environments may better support ODF adapted to higher temperatures, offering insights for bioremediation strategies in subtropical and tropical coastal ecosystems.

Dang Phi Doan, C., Sano, A., Tamaki, H., Nguyen Duc Pham, H., & Terashima, Y. (2016). Comparison of distribution of oil-degrading filamentous fungi on subtropical Iriomote Island, Japan, and tropical Con Dao Island, Vietnam. Tropics, 25(2), 67–76. https://doi.org/10.3759/tropics.ms15-11