Degradation of 4-nitrophenol by the white-rot polypore Trametes versicolor

• Loofa-immobilized Trametes versicolor showed a remarkable 4-nitrophenol removal capability.
• 4-nitrophenol phytotoxicity decreased noticeably after fungal treatment.
• Substantial conversion of nitrophenol, is reported for versatile peroxidase for the first time.
• The investigated strain may have good prospects for an application in bioremediation.

The ability of Trametes versicolor strain BAFC 2234 to degrade 4-nitrophenol in vivo and in vitro was evaluated. T. versicolor grew in the presence of 0.5 mM 4-nitrophenol and degraded 98.4% of this toxic compound in less than 96 h. The strain secreted different ligninolytic oxidoreductases such as laccase, Mn-peroxidase and versatile peroxidase. Substantial conversion of nitrophenol, a typical high-redox potential phenolic substrate, is reported for versatile peroxidase for the first time; 2,4-dinitrophenol and a dimer were identified as products. T. versicolor immobilized on natural sponge-like material from Luffa aegyptiaca removed 97% of 4-nitrophenol (1 mM) over a period of 72 h. 4-Nitrophenol phytotoxicity decreased noticeably after fungal treatment.