Response of Trametes hirsuta to hexavalent chromium promotes laccase-mediated decolorization of reactive black 5

The recalcitrant azo dyes combined with heavy metals constitute a major challenge for the bioremediation of industrial effluents. This study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of action of a white-rot fungus Trametes hirsuta TH315 on the simultaneous removal of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] and azo dye (Reactive Black 5, RB5). Here, this study discovered that toxic Cr(VI) (1 mM) greatly promoted RB5 decolorization (from 57.15% to 83.65%) by white-rot fungus Trametes hirsuta with high Cr(VI)-reducing ability (>96%), resulting in the simultaneous removal of co-contaminants. On the basis of transcriptomic and biochemical analysis, our study revealed that the oxidative stress in co-contaminants mainly caused by Cr(VI), and a number of dehydrogenases and oxidases showed up-regulation in response to Cr(VI) stress. It was noteworthy that the oxidative stress caused by Cr(VI) in co-contaminants can both significantly induce glutathione S-transferase and laccase expression. Glutathione S-transferase potentially involved in antioxidation against Cr(VI) stress. Laccase was found to play a key role in RB5 decolorization by T. hirsuta. These results suggested that the simultaneous removal of co-contaminants by T. hirsuta could be achieved with Cr(VI) exposure. Overall, the elucidation of the molecular basis in details will help to advance the general knowledge about the fungus by facing harsh environments, and put forward a further possible application of fungi on environmental remediation.

Diverse Metabolic Capacities of Fungi for Bioremediation

Bioremediation refers to cost-effective and environment-friendly method for converting the toxic, recalcitrant pollutants into environmentally benign products through the action of various biological treatments. Fungi play a major role in bioremediation owing to their robust morphology and diverse metabolic capacity. The review focuses on different fungal groups from a variety of habitats with their role in bioremediation of different toxic and recalcitrant compounds; persistent organic pollutants, textile dyes, effluents from textile, bleached kraft pulp, leather tanning industries, petroleum, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, pharmaceuticals and personal care products, and pesticides. Bioremediation of toxic organics by fungi is the most sustainable and green route for cleanup of contaminated sites and we discuss the multiple modes employed by fungi for detoxification of different toxic and recalcitrant compounds including prominent fungal enzymes viz., catalases, laccases, peroxidases and cyrochrome P450 monooxygeneses. We have also discussed the recent advances in enzyme engineering and genomics and research being carried out to trace the less understood bioremediation pathways.