Toxicity and bioaccumulation of heavy metals in Phanerochaete chrysosporium

The responses of the growth and metabolism activity of Phanerochaete chrysosporium (P. chrysosporium) to cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and their combined pollution stress, were investigated in plate and liquid culture conditions. The diameter of colony, biomass of P. chrysosporium, ligninolytic enzyme activities and bioaccumulation quantity of heavy metals were detected. The results indicated that Cd was more toxic than Pb to P. chrysosporium and the toxicity of Cd and Pb to P. chrysosporium was further strengthened under Cd+Pb combined pollution in different culture conditions. Heavy metals Cd and Pb had indirect influence on the production of ligninolytic enzymes by directly affecting the fungal growth and metabolic activity, and by another way in liquid culture. In addition, the results provided an evidence of the accumulation of Cd and Pb on the mycelia of P. chrysosporium.