METABOLISM OF PYRENE BY BASIDIOMYCETOUS FUNGI OF THE GENERA CRINIPELLIS, MARASMIUS, AND MARASMIELLUS

The ability of different species and strains of the genus Crinipellis and the related genera Marasmius and Marasmiellus to metabolize pyrene was investigated. The metabolism of pyrene and the nature of metaboli tes formed were strain specific and depended on the culture medium. Th e following metabolites of pyrene were detected in the cultures: l-hyd roxypyrene, 1-pyrenylsulfate, 1,6- and 1,8-dihydroxypyrene and the cor responding quinones, trans-4,5-dihydro-4,5-dihydroxypyrene, and two tr ansformation products which have never before been detected, 6-hydroxy pyrene-1-sulfate and pyrene-1,6-disulfate. In addition, several not ye t identified pyrene metabolites were produced by some strains.