Degradation of 17- -Ethinylestradiol (EE2) using laccases isolated from the white rot fungi Lentinula edodes, Trametes versicolor, and Agaricus bisporus

Three degrading white rot fungi, Lentinula edodes (Shiitake mushroom), Trametes versicolor (Turkey Tail mushroom), and Agaricus bisporus (Portobello mushroom) were used to degrade the pharmaceutical drug 17-Ethinylestradiol (EE2). The estrogenic activity of the degradation products was examined using organic extraction assays. They were examined using LC-MS and the Portobello, Turkey Tail, and the Shiitake all showed degradation capabilities. Their mycelial growth was fully completed after a series of 8 d with an incubation at 25C. It took 1-8 days to obtain complete degradation of EE2 by all three fungi. In comparison of those treated with solely EE2, and samples containing EE2 and fungus, degradation increased significantly. INTRODUCTION Estrogen, 17-Ethinylestradiol (EE2) is as an oral contraceptive. EE2 (Fig.1) is a compound that is not fully broken down when digested by the consumer. It is excreted into the wastewater system. [1] The main classes of organic compounds present in wastewater from EE2 are saccharides, amino acids, fatty acids, hydroxyl acids, aromatic compounds, estrogens and steroids. [2] These organic compounds become consumed by various species and organisms, which can cause hormonal imbalances. For instance, fish begin to produce unnatural hormones. [2] In addition, wastewater can runoff into other systems of irrigation that are used for agricultural purposes. [2] When humans consume fish, they also consume EE2, which is stored in the fishes’ liver. [3]This can affect the endocrine system of the fish, because of the hormonal imbalances and the system of the human eating the fish. [3] It impacts humans as well as fish. Among all of the contaminants that are found within our wastewater systems, the hormone estrogen is amongst great concern. [4] This is a concern for both the environment as well as among human health. [4] This is a concern because the imbalances affect the homeostasis of the ecosystem. It has also been seen to create reproduction issues with the habitat creating a substantial amount of pollution. [3] There are many options that have been implemented to remove trace organisms, but estrogen has a low removal rate. [3] The removal of pollutants in wastewater are performed by a process of bioremediation. [4] Bioremediation is a process that uses microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi to treat pollution. [4] We investigated the bioremediation potential of various fungi to see if and how they reduce or remove EE2 from polluted water. [4] Various fungi including Lentinula edodes (Shiitake mushroom), Trametes versicolor (Turkey Tail mushroom), and Agaricus bisporus (Portobello mushroom) was used to determine the degradation properties in regards to EE2. [5]