Biodegradation of Phenolic Compounds Using Phanerochaete chrysosporium

Biodegradation using white rot fungi Phanerochaete chrysosporium is reported as an effective treatment solution for waste waters contaminated with phenolic compounds. This process is based on the ability of the extracellular, non-specific oxidative enzyme lignin peroxidase to mineralise these compounds. Batch studies of the process show that the enzyme secretion is favoured by a complex growth media containing veratryl alcohol and a carbon and nitrogen limiting condition. In addition, stationary growth yields higher enzyme concentrations. Batch biodegradation of phenol(500 mg/L) in Erylenmeyer flasks show complete degradation in 30 hours. Batch studies in Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC) system show good biomass growth on the disc with enzyme activities reaching 380 U/L. Subsequent studies on phenol degradation in the same system show total removal even at 500 mg/L phenol concentration within 24 hours. It is concluded that biodegradation of P. chrysosporium is an effective process for the removal of phenolic compounds from waste waters.