Changes to water repellence of soil caused by the growth of white-rot fungi: studies using a novel microcosm system

A microcosm system is described which permits assessment of the progressive growth of filamentous fungi through soil. We report on its application to measure the effects of Coriolus versicolor and Phanaerochaete chrysosporium upon the sorptivity and water repellence of a mineral soil, measured using a miniature infiltration device. Both fungal species caused moderate sub-c ritical repellence. Since the pore structure was unaffected, the repellence was probably due to hydrophobic substances of fungal origin. This is the f irst report of changes in soil repellence caused by the growth of potential xenobiotic bioremediating fungi. The potential consequences are discussed. (C) 2000 Federation of European Microbiological Societies. Published by El sevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.