Biodegradation of decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) by white-rot fungus Phlebia lindtneri

• The first report on BDE-209 degradation by Phlebia lindtneri JN45.
• A slight stimulating effect on BDE-209 removal under low levels of Cu and Pb.
• Metabolite identification and deduction of a possible BDE-209 degradation pathway.

This work investigated degradation of decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) by Phlebia lindtneri under the influence of glucose and heavy metals (Cd2+, Cu2+ or Pb2+). The results showed that adding glucose could markedly promote BDE-209 biodegradation. In the absence of heavy metals, 77.3% BDE-209 was degraded within 30 d when dealing with 20 mg L−1 BDE-209. BDE-209 degradation was stimulated at low concentrations of Cu and Pb, whereas inhibited at higher levels of metals. The culture pH tended to decrease with time. Adding lower concentrations of Cu (⩽5.0 mg L−1) enhanced laccase activity. No stimulatory effect was observed on laccase activity in the presence of Cd or Pb. Ecotoxicity in the culture significantly increased at the late stage of the experiment. Bromine ions were released and the debromination rate of BDE-209 was much lower than its degradation rate. The fungus could degrade BDE-209 through debromination, hydroxylation, and ring-opening reactions.