Continuous biodegradation of 17 beta-estradiol and 17 alpha-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.