Fungal Communities Research

Petro-tolerant fungal communities that may be able to accelerate decomposition of the crude petroleum oil pits are central to our research. They occupy the crude petroleum that has been affecting generations of residents in the Sucumbios Region of Ecuador for more than 50 years. To investigate these fungal processes, CoRenewal seeks to identify, physiologically profile, and propagate native fungi from degraded ecosystems. We predict that fungi from ecosystems with a history of oil exploration have a greater functional capacity to process petroleum toxicity, and thus be more tolerant to petroleum exposure (i.e., petro-tolerant) than fungi from pristine environments. We aim to reduce contaminant concentration by increasing their enzyme production, yielding accelerated rates of decomposition.

Along with our university collaborators, CoRenewal is developing a method for quantifying fungal enzyme activity in order to characterize the functional capacity of fungal communities. Moreover, we are investigating the efficacy of introducing native petro-tolerant fungi back into local landscapes to restore sensitive habitats and protect natural resources.

Our research is being held back due to lack of funding. To help us continue our research, please donate