Enzymatic copolymerization opens new horizons for rhizoremediation and humification of estrogenic pollutants in water-soil-crop agroecosystems

Abstract

Estrogenic pollutants (EPs) constitute a class of biologically potent endocrine disruptors that impair reproductive functions, trigger cardiovascular diseases, and elevate oncogenic risks in humans. Livestock and poultry manure, a major agricultural waste stream, contains significant quantities of EPs. Its extensive application in agroecosystems facilitates the uptake and acropetal movement of EPs by edible crops, thereby posing risks of human exposure via food consumption. Microbially-derived laccase, ubiquitously distributed in agroecosystems, exhibits exceptional efficacy in EP detoxification through enzymatic polymerization. By mediating copolymerization between EPs and co-substrates, the enzymatic process generates non-toxic precipitates——a mechanism validated in experimental bioremediation protocols targeting EP-contaminated water, soil, and rhizosphere environments. This process mirrors natural humification pathways, offering dual benefits of pollutant decontamination and humus-like substance formation within root-associated zones. This study summarizes the new horizons opened by microbe-produced laccase for EP rhizoremediation, organic carbon humification, and crop uptake. We briefly delineate the current status of EP soil contamination and crop accumulation in China, followed by an analysis of EP subcellular partitioning and cytotoxic effects across crop organs. Subsequently, interactions between EPs and specified root exudates at the rhizosphere microinterfaces are elucidated. Notably, enzymatic copolymerization mechanisms governing EP rhizoremediation and humification in water-soil-crop matrices are emphasized. Strategic in situ regulation of rhizosphere microbiome-derived laccase activity presents innovative avenues for mitigating EP pollution, accelerating biotic humification, and curbing carbon emissions. These advancements hold transformative potential for organic pollutant management, rhizosphere microenvironment optimization, and sustainable food production in modern agroecosystems.