Cross-linked tyrosinase aggregates for elimination of phenolic compounds from wastewater

A novel, practical and inexpensive immobilization method has been developed for mushroom tyrosinase to be used for enzymatic treatment of phenolic wastewater. Catalyzed by the enzyme immobilized in the form of cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEAs), phenolic compounds such as phenol, p-cresol, p-chlorophenol and bisphenol A can be efficiently eliminated, with a complete conversion obtained within 0.5-3h, superior to other processes catalyzed by the same enzyme which is either free or immobilized with traditional carrier-bound immobilization methods. The effects of reaction time, pH, enzyme dosage and initial concentration of the phenol solution were examined. The sequence of dephenolization rate (p-cresol>p-chlorophenol>phenol) was in accordance with the substrate selectivity of the enzyme. The reusability of the CLEAs has been tested in a batch reactor for each phenol. In a continuous stirred tank reactor, the CLEAs encapsulated into calcium alginate gels were effective for removing phenol for at least 26h. The toxicity of the phenol-containing solution was remarkably diminished after treatment with the tyrosinase CLEAs, as demonstrated by the Hydra sinensis test.