title: Biodegradation and utilization of 4-n-nonylphenol by Aspergillus versicolor as a sole carbon and energy source.
abstract: 4-n-Nonylphenol (4-n-NP) is an environmental pollutant with endocrine-disrupting activities that is formed during the degradation of nonylphenol polyethoxylates, which are widely used as surfactants. Utilization of 4-n-NP by the filamentous fungus Aspergillus versicolor as the sole carbon and energy source was investigated. By means of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, we showed that in the absence of any carbon source other than 4-n-NP in the medium, A. versicolor completely removed the xenobiotic (100 mg L(-1)) after 3 d of cultivation. Moreover, mass spectrometric analysis of intracellular extracts led to the identification of eight intermediates. The mineralization of the xenobiotic in cultures supplemented with 4-n-NP [ring-(14)C(U)] as a growth substrate was also assessed. After 3 d of incubation, approximately 50% of the initially applied radioactivity was recovered in the form of (14)CO2, proving that this xenobiotic was completely metabolized and utilized by A. versicolor as a carbon source. Based on microscopic analysis, A. versicolor is capable of germinating spores under such conditions. To confirm these observations, a microcalorimetric method was used. The results show that even the highest amount of 4-n-NP initiates heat production in the fungal samples, proving that metabolic processes were affected by the use of 4-n-NP as an energetic substrate.
authors.affiliation: Department of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Łódź, Poland.
authors.forename: Mariusz
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Krupiński
authors.affiliation: Department of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Łódź, Poland.
authors.forename: Tomasz
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Janicki
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Lodz, Pomorska 165, 90-236 Łódź, Poland.
authors.forename: Bartłomiej
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Pałecz
authors.affiliation: Department of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Łódź, Poland. Electronic address: jdlugo@biol.uni.lodz.pl.
authors.forename: Jerzy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Długoński
mesh_terms: D001230:Aspergillus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D002151:Calorimetry; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D010636:Phenols / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D013172:Spores, Fungal / Q000187:drug effects; D015262:Xenobiotics / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D010636:Phenols; D015262:Xenobiotics; C041594:4-nonylphenol
keywords: Biodegradation; Microcalorimetry; Mineralization; Nonylphenol; Spore germination