Diclofenac (2-[(2,6-Dichlorophenyl)amino]benzeneacetic acid) is a non-steroidal anti-infl ammatory
drug. Due to excessive use of diclofenac, this drug has been detected in surface water, ground water and drinking
water. In our study, four fungal strain Trametes trogii, Aspergillus niger, Yarrowia lipolytica and Phanerochaete
chrysosporium were investigated in terms of diclofenac degradation potential. Trametes trogii was found to be
the most effi cient strain with 100% diclofenac degradation rate. Two hydroxylated diclofenac metabolites have
been identifi ed in culture medium. Crude laccase from T. trogii almost completely removed diclofenac with 97%
removal in 48 h. We suggest that the degradation of diclofenac depends on the cytochrome P450 enzyme system
and laccase activity. After 24 h incubation decrease in toxicity of diclofenac was confi rmed by Microtox test.