Effects of 4-n-nonylphenol on aquatic hyphomycetes

We measured the removal of 4-n-nonylphenol (between 50 and 500 μg L−1) from an aqueous solution with or without linden and oak leaf disks. More 4-n-NP was removed when the leaves were first exposed for 3 weeks in a stream, which allowed colonization by aquatic hyphomycetes. The response of fungal sporulation rates from beech, linden, maple and oak leaves to increasing levels of 4-n-NP was complex. Linear regressions were non-significant, arguing against a no-threshold model. The response at the lowest concentration (50 μg L−1) was between 7% (beech) and 67% (maple) higher than in the absence of 4-n-NP, however, the difference was not significant. The number of sporulating species of aquatic hyphomycetes was significantly higher at the lowest concentration than in the control treatment without 4-n-NP. The composition of the fungal community was affected by leaf species but not by 4-n-NP concentration. The results suggest the presence of a weak hormeotic effect. The known ability of aquatic hyphomycetes and other fungi to degrade nonylphenols and related substances, combined with fungal resilience in their presence, makes decaying leaves potential candidates for bioremediation.

Research Highlights► Nonylphenol is a common endocrine disruptor. ► 4-n NP is quickly removed from solution by dead leaves. ► Leaves precolonized by fungi remove 4-n-NP more quickly. ► Fungal response to 4-n NP exposure is compatible with hormesis. ► Fungal-colonized leaves may assist bioremediation of NP contaminated effluents.