Biodegradation of Natural and Synthetic Humic Acids by the White Rot Fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium

Biodegradation of natural and synthetic (melanoidin) humic acids by Phanerochaete chrysosporium BKM-F 1767 was demonstrated by decolorization in batch culture, reduction in molecular weight, and ¹⁴CO₂ production from labeled melanoidin. This biodegradation occurred during secondary metabolism of the fungus in nitrogen-limited cultures; experimental results suggest that all or a part of the lignin-degrading system of BKM-F 1767 plays a part in biodegradation.