Degradation of benzo[a]pyrene by the litter-decomposing basidiomycete Stropharia coronilla: role of manganese peroxidase

Research demonstrates that Stropharia coronilla metabolizes and mineralizes benzo[a]pyrene and manganese(II) ions significantly stimulate this process by four to twelve times, respectively. Data indicate that the stimulatory effects is mediated by the ligninolytic enzyme manganese peroxidase, whose activity increases upon manganese addition.