Geographical Distribution and Biotechnological Potential of Cultivable Filamentous Fungi in Soils of Fildes Bay (Antarctica)

Abstract

In the Antarctic territory, only 0.35% of its surface is ice-free. Fildes Bay is one of these notable areas, due to its geographical location and better environmental conditions when compared to the Antarctic continent. Fildes Bay is an ideal site for studying microorganisms, such as filamentous fungi (FF). FF develop unique biochemical pathways and biomolecules necessary for their survival. However, it is essential to know the diversity of FF to understand their biotechnological potential. The main objective of this study was to isolate and identify cultivable strains of filamentous fungi from soils in Fildes Bay (King George Island, Antarctica). Fourteen soil samples were collected from different sectors of Fildes Bay and underwent chemical analysis. Subsequently, samples were suspended in water and inoculated in three different culture media. FF were purified and identified according to classical taxonomy. The soils showed heterogeneous chemical composition and capacity to harbour FF. The soils of Fildes Bay have chemical properties similar to mineral soils, although variations in the C/N ratio and nutrients suggest external influences of natural origin. A total of 1756 FF were isolated, identifying the genera Cladosporium, Penicillium, Pseudogymnoascus, strains of the Mucoromycota division, and four other unidentified genera. The study highlights the ability of FF to adapt to extreme environmental conditions, as well as their biotechnological potential. This work represents the first large-scale report on the isolation of fungi in Fildes Bay, Antarctica.