Biodegradation of PCBs by ligninolytic fungi and characterization of the degradation products

► PCB-degrading ability of eight white rot fungi in model systems were documented. ► Pleurotus ostreatus is the most efficient in removing contaminants and toxicity. ► Forty-one PCB degradation products were detected and characterized, e.g., chlorobenzoic acids. ► Different enzymatic systems participate in the biotransformation of the pollutants. ► The fungi degraded further chlorobenzoic acids simultaneously with PCBs.