Effect of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on laccase production by white rot fungus Pleurotus ostreatus D1

The effect of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on the time course of laccase production by the fungus Pleurotus ostreatus D1 under conditions of submerged cultivation on Kirk’s medium has been studied. It has been shown that phenanthrene, fluoranthene, pyrene, and chrysene actively induce this enzyme, whereas fluorene and anthracene had a smaller effect. Addition of Mn²⁺ ions to cultivation medium elevates the laccase activity twofold and more in the presence of all the studied PAHs. Electrophoresis under nondenaturing conditions demonstrates induction of additional laccase forms by xenobiotics. Ligninolytic peroxidase activities are undetectable under the conditions used.