Microbial Degradation of Endocrine Disruptors

Abstract

Recently, alkylphenols, bisphenols and several synthetic estrogens have been recognized as endocrine disruptors (ED). They can interfere with hormones and thus disrupt development of animals. Investigation of environmental pollution by these chemicals, studies of their toxicity and the ability of various microorganisms to decompose such compounds are now in progress. This work summarizes findings on microbial degradation of ED in the last three decades with a special respect to the promising bioremediation agents - white rot fungi and degradation capacity of their ligninolytic enzymes. Most of the studies are focused on the degradation of ED by purified enzymes although these methods are technically demanding and costly. On the other hand, the ED degradation with fungal cultures are also feasible. The work is aimed at identification of intermediates from ED degradation and their endocrine activities, which is important for better understanding of microbial degradation.