Abstract: A method for degrading and/or bioremediating waste wood containing creosote using a fungal inoculum is disclosed. The fungal inoculum comprises of at least one creosote-tolerant fungi, a lignocellulosic substrate and a nutrient supplement. The fungal inoculum is applied to the waste wood and maintained in an aerated and hydrated environment having temperature conditions sufficient to allow the inoculum to grow and metabolize the creosote. The inoculum and the waste wood are combined until an end product is achieved that is at least partially remediated or of a reduced volume.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 12, 2002
Date of Patent:
December 16, 2003
Assignee:
The United States of America as represented by the Secretary
of Agriculture
Inventors:
Barbara L. Illman, Vina W. Yang, Leslie A. Ferge