Degradation of 4-nitrophenol by the white-rot polypore Trametes versicolor

•Loofa-immobilized Trametes versicolor showed a remarkable 4-nitrophenol removal capability.•4-nitrophenol phytotoxicity decreased noticeably after fungal treatment.•Substantial conversion of nitrophenol, is reported for versatile peroxidase for the first time.•The investigated strain may have good prospects for an application in bioremediation.

The ability of Trametes versicolor strain BAFC 2234 to degrade 4-nitrophenol in vivo and in vitro was evaluated. T. versicolor grew in the presence of 0.5 mM 4-nitrophenol and degraded 98.4% of this toxic compound in less than 96 h. The strain secreted different ligninolytic oxidoreductases such as laccase, Mn-peroxidase and versatile peroxidase. Substantial conversion of nitrophenol, a typical high-redox potential phenolic substrate, is reported for versatile peroxidase for the first time; 2,4-dinitrophenol and a dimer were identified as products. T. versicolor immobilized on natural sponge-like material from Luffa aegyptiaca removed 97% of 4-nitrophenol (1 mM) over a period of 72 h. 4-Nitrophenol phytotoxicity decreased noticeably after fungal treatment.