Novel methodology for enzymatic removal of atrazine from water by CBD-fusion protein immobilized on cellulose

s-Triazines including atrazine are heavily used agricultural herbicides, an d their extensive removal from industrial wastewater is required before the se effluents can be disposed. The use of enzymes for this purpose is an imp ortant potential alternative to conventional methods of detoxification. The purpose of the present study was to develop an enzyme-based technology for the treatment of atrazine contaminated water. In this paper we describe th e construction and expression of two fusion proteins which dechlorinate atr azine while being firmly bound to an insoluble cellulose matrix. Dechlorina tion of atrazine produces in one enzymatic step the nonregulated compound h ydroxyatrazine from the regulated mother compound, atrazine.