Continuous biodegradation of 17β-estradiol and 17α-ethynylestradiol by Trametes versicolor

The feasibility of 17 beta-estradiol (E2) and 17 alpha-ethynylestradiol (EE2) removal by Trametes versicolor was demonstrated in batch and continuous cultures. In batch, E2 and EE2 initially supplied at 10 mg l(-1) were removed by more than 97% in 24 h, which corresponded to volumetric removal rates of 0.43 and 0.44 mg l(-1) h(-1), respectively. A bioreactor inoculated with T versicolor pellets was then continuously operated during 26 days at a hydraulic retention time of 120 h. E2 and EE2 were completely removed at volumetric removal rates of 0.16 and 0.09 mg l(-1) h(-1), respectively, when fed at 18.8 and 7.3 mg l(-1), respectively. Evidence was found that removal was caused by laccase. This study demonstrates the technical feasibility of fungal treatment of estrogens using continuous bioreactor with suspended fungal biomass. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.