Transformation of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol by the white rot fungi Panus tigrinus and Coriolus versicolor

The toxicity of thirteen isomers of mono-, di-, tri- and pentachlorophenols was tested in potato-dextrose agar cultures of the white rot fungi Panus t igrinus and Coriolus versicolor. 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP) was chos en for further study of its toxicity and transformation in liquid cultures of these fungi. Two schemes of 2,4,6-TCP addition were tested to minimize i ts toxic effect to fungal cultures: stepwise addition from the moment of in oculation and single addition after five days of growth. In both cases the ligninolytic enzyme systems of both fungi were found to be responsible for 2,4,6-TCP transformation. 2,6-Dichloro-1,4-hydroquinol and 2,6-dichloro-1,4 -benzoquinone were found as products of primary oxidation of 2,4,6-TCP by i ntact fungal cultures and purified ligninolytic enzymes, Mn-peroxidases and laccases of both fungi. However, primary attack of 2,4,6-TCP in P. tigrinu s culture was conducted mainly by Mn-peroxidase, while in C. versicolor it was catalyzed predominantly by laccase, suggesting a different mode of regu lation of these enzymes in the two fungi.