Biodegradation of chlorobenzoic acids by ligninolytic fungi

► Several promising ligninolytic fungi were examined to degrade chlorobenzoic acids. ► The fungi were also tested in contaminated soil reaching 85-99% of degradation. ► Significant reduction of toxicity was observed during the processes. ► A number of new transformation products have been found. ► Analysis of ergosterol showed the importance of colonization for the degradation.