New branches in the degradation pathway of monochlorocatechols by Aspergillus nidulans: A metabolomics analysis

• Published in: Journal of hazardous materials Vol. 268; pp. 264 - 272
• Main Authors: Martins, Tiago M., Núñez, Oscar, Gallart-Ayala, Hector, Leitão, Maria Cristina, Galceran, Maria Teresa, Silva Pereira, Cristina
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier B.V 15.03.2014; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Aspergillus nidulans; Aspergillus nidulans - growth & development; Aspergillus nidulans - metabolism; Biodegradació; Biodegradation; Biodegradation, Environmental; Biotransformation; Catechols - chemistry; Catechols - isolation & purification; Catechols - metabolism; Chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons; Environmental Pollutants - chemistry; Environmental Pollutants - isolation & purification; Environmental Pollutants - metabolism; Exact sciences and technology; Fongs; Fungi; Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated - chemistry; Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated - isolation & purification; Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated - metabolism; Metabolic Networks and Pathways; Metabolic pathway; Metabolomics; Molecular Structure; Monochlorocatechols; Monochlorophenols; Mycelium - growth & development; Mycelium - metabolism; Pollution; Biodegradation; Chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons; Metabolic pathway; Aspergillus nidulans; Monochlorocatechols; Monochlorophenols; Hydrocarbon; Pollutant behavior; Sulfates; Fungi; Aspergillus; Utilities; Decontamination; Aromatic compound; Fungi Imperfecti; Bioremediation; Organic compounds
• ISSN: 0304-3894; 1873-3336
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2014.01.024

•One of the few studies on mono-chlorophenols/chlorocatechols degradation by fungi.•Aspergillus nidulans showed major dechlorination paths and conjugation reactions.•3-Chlorodienelactone and catechol are key intermediates in unknown degradation paths.•The new fungal degradation paths might avoid known bacterial dead-ends. A collective view of the degradation of monochlorocatechols in fungi is yet to be attained, though these compounds are recognised as key degradation intermediates of numerous chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons, including monochlorophenols. In the present contribution we have analysed the degradation pathways of monochlorophenols in Aspergillus nidulans using essentially metabolomics. Degradation intermediates herein identified included those commonly reported (e.g. 3-chloro-cis,cis-muconate) but also compounds never reported before in fungi revealing for 4-chlorocatechol and for 3-chlorocatechol unknown degradation paths yielding 3-chlorodienelactone and catechol, respectively. A different 3-chlorocatechol degradation path led to accumulation of 2-chloromuconates (a potential dead-end), notwithstanding preliminary evidence of chloromuconolactones and protoanemonin simultaneous formation. In addition, some transformation intermediates, of which sulfate conjugates of mono-chlorophenols/chlorocatechols were the most common, were also identified. This study provides critical information for understanding the role of fungi in the degradation of chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons; furthering their utility in the development of innovative bioremediation strategies.