Pleurotus ostreatus degrades polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) with an increase of laccase activity. Laccases are well known for their detoxifying activity. We show, using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and a biochemical assay, that reduction in PCBs (di, tri, tetra, and penta) levels are correlated with an increase in laccase activity. P. ostreatus cultures were obtained from 0 to 30 days in the presence or absence of 7,100 mg/L PCBs (from transformer oil) and a surfactant. After each selected time cultures were withdrawn and remaining PCBs were determined, a maximal removal percentage of PCBs was obtained at 20 (63.5 ± 2.0) and 30 days (63.8 ± 4.6) post-induction. Also, the activity of the enzyme was analyzed and it was found to increase at 10 (6.9-fold) and 20 (6.77-fold) days post-induction in the presence of PCBs, as determined by its activity. Taken together, these data suggest that PCBs induce laccase expression and that laccase catalyzes PCBs removal.

• MeSH
• Biodegradation, Environmental MeSH
• Fungal Proteins genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• Laccase genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• Molecular Sequence Data MeSH
• Pleurotus enzymology   genetics   growth & development   metabolism   MeSH
• Polychlorinated Biphenyls metabolism   MeSH
• Base Sequence MeSH
• Up-Regulation MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Fungal Proteins MeSH
• Laccase MeSH
• Polychlorinated Biphenyls MeSH

The ligninolytic fungus Irpex lacteus was shown as an efficient degrader of oligocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs; 'polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons') possessing 3-6 aromatic rings in complex liquid media. The strain produced mainly Mn-dependent peroxidase in media without pollutants. Activity of ligninolytic enzymes was higher in a N-limited medium. However, after contamination with PAHs (especially pyrene) the values increased and significant activity of Mn-independent peroxidase appeared in the complex medium. Other factors (such as the increase in nitrogen concentration or the presence of solvent(s) for dissolution of PAHs) had no effect. Cytochrome P-450 was detected in the microsomal fraction of biomass grown in the complex medium. The rate of PAH degradation was also affected by the presence of various combinations of PAHs. However, independently of the enzyme activities, anthracene was shown to have a positive influence on degradation of pyrene and fluoranthene.

• MeSH
• Basidiomycota enzymology   genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• Biodegradation, Environmental MeSH
• Fungal Proteins genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• Lignin metabolism   MeSH
• Peroxidases genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons chemistry   metabolism   MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Fungal Proteins MeSH
• Lignin MeSH
• Peroxidases MeSH
• Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons MeSH

Molasses wastewater (vinasse; the by-product of distillation of fermented sugar) was decolorized and its chemical oxygen demand (COD) was reduced in static cultivation using the fungi Coriolus versicolor, Funalia trogii, Phanerochaete chrysosporium and Pleurotus pulmonarius ('Pleurotus sajorcaju'). The effect of cotton stalk on decolorizing and COD removing capability of four fungi was determined. In the entire concentration range tested (10-30%), wastewater was effectively decolorized by C. versicolor and F. trogii. Cotton stalk addition stimulated the decolorization activity of all fungi. The utilization of cotton stalk represents several advantages due to its function as an attachment place and as a source of nutrients; its use also reduces process costs.

• MeSH
• Color MeSH
• Biodegradation, Environmental * MeSH
• Fermentation MeSH
• Fungi metabolism   MeSH
• Molasses * MeSH
• Water Microbiology MeSH
• Waste Disposal, Fluid MeSH
• Pleurotus metabolism   MeSH
• Polyporales metabolism   MeSH
• Industrial Waste * MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Industrial Waste * MeSH

Agitation, temperature, inoculum size, initial pH and pH of buffered medium affected the decolorization of Orange II dye by Coriolus versicolor and Funalia trogii. The optimum temperature and initial pH value for decolorization were 30 degrees C and 6.5-7.0, respectively; pH 4.5 was the most efficient in buffered cultures. High decolorization extents were reached at all agitation rates. At an inoculum size of more than 1 mL, the extent of decolorization changed only slightly. High extents were obtained using immobilized fungi at repeated batch mode.

• MeSH
• Azo Compounds metabolism   MeSH
• Color MeSH
• Coloring Agents metabolism   MeSH
• Benzenesulfonates metabolism   MeSH
• Polyporales metabolism   MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Names of Substances
• 2-naphthol orange MeSH Browser
• Azo Compounds MeSH
• Coloring Agents MeSH
• Benzenesulfonates MeSH