Phenol degradation by Fusarium oxysporum GJ4 is affected by toxic catalytic polymerization mediated by copper oxide.

A phenol-degrading fungus, Fusarium oxysporum GJ4, was isolated from contaminated soil and was able to use phenol as a sole carbon and energy source. Catechol was detected during phenol degradation and this was polymerized by Cu(2)O added to the medium. F. oxysporum GJ4 was unable to degrade phenol at concentrations greater than 2mM when Cu(2)O was present in the liquid growth medium. Catechol polymerization and deposition on the fungal surface was thought to be the main reason for the cessation of phenol degradation by F. oxysporum GJ4. Such catalytic polymerization of catecholic products by Cu(2)O during the biodegradation of phenol or other phenolic products must be considered as a possible interference factor in bioremediation.