Biodegradation of Chlorinated Organic Compounds by 'Phanerochaete chrysosporium', a Wood-Rotting Fungus

摘要

Organohalides as a group represent an environmentally persistent class of chemicals, many of which accumulate in the food chain in the body fat of animals occupying higher trophic levels. Many of these compounds are toxic, mutagenic and/or carcinogenic. Furthermore, many sites exist worldwide that are contaminated with these compounds. Often these sites are old production or use facilities which contain high concentrations of the pollutant in question and represent potential health hazards. Of great concern in many cases is the threat of ground water contamination. Recent attention has focused on the possible usefulness of the white rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium for the biodegradation of hazardous and environmentally persistent organohalides. The paper summarizes the present knowledge concerning the ability of this fungus to degrade halogenated organic compounds.