Biodegradation of Phenols by Ligninolytic Fungus Trametes versicolor

The white rot fungus isolated from paper mill effluent enriched soil samples and identified as Trametes versicolor was capable of degrading phenol (Mono, di hydroxy and methoxy) compounds.14C synthetic lignin mineralization assays showed that Trametes versicolor assimilated 24.3% of the total label. During five days of incubation period, 71% of para-hydroxy benzoic acid was utilized by Trametes versicolor when glucose used as a co-substrate and 56% degradation of protocatechuic acid was achieved using fructose. The presence of laccase (EC.1.10.3.2) and polyphenol oxidase (EC.1.10.3.0) extracellular activity suggested that the fungus secrete these enzymes into the extracellular medium and the extracellular laccase activity was assayed on agarose plates containing ABTS.