Degradation of low-rank coal excavated from coal-mine Záhorie by filamentous fungi

The ability of Trichoderma strains isolated from lignite and of Earth surface-derived strains to attack (solubilise) lignite, peat and wood was compared using glutamate as a carbon source. The results showed that lignite-derived microorganisms solubilise lignite to similar extent as Trichoderma strains isolated from the Earth surface. Solubilisation processes involve the action of enzymes and alkaline pH. The solubilisation of lignite was accompanied by a small increase of conidia-bound laccase, whereas that of peat was accompanied by (secretion) activity of cellulase, laminarinase, laccase, and lignin-peroxidase-like enzyme. In addition, data were obtained which show that bacteria contained in the lignite are able of lignite solubilisation and utilisation.