Potential of Trichoderma koningii to eliminate alachlor in the presence of copper ions

The filamentous fungus Trichoderma koningii is capable of fast and effective eliminate alachlor (90% after 72 h when added separately and 80-60% in the presence of 1-5 mM of copper). After 168 h over 99% elimination of alachlor resulted in detoxification and was connected with the mitigation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Using MS/MS techniques, seven dechlorinated and hydroxylated metabolites were identified. Cytochrome P450 and laccase participate in biotransformation of the herbicide by this non-ligninolytic fungus. Laccase activity is stimulated both by copper and the mixture of copper and alachlor, which seems to be important for combined pollutants. T. koningii is characterized by high tolerance to copper (up to 7.5 mM). The metal content in mycelia reached 0.9-7.76 mg in 1 g of dry biomass. Our results suggest that T. koningii strain seems to be a promising tool for bioremediation of agricultural areas co-contaminated with copper-based fungicides and chloroacetanilide herbicides.