Formation of bound residues during microbial degradation of [{sup 14}C]anthracene in soil
- Friedrich Schiller Univ., Jena (Germany). Inst. of Microbiology
- Univ. of Hamburg (Germany). Inst. for Biogeochemistry and Marine Chemistry
Carbon partitioning and residue formation during microbial degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in soil and soil-compost mixtures were examined by using [{sup 14}C]anthracenes labeled at different positions. In native soil 43.8% of [9-{sup 14}C]anthracene was mineralized by the autochthonous microflora and 45.4% was transformed into bound residues within 176 days. Addition of compost increased the metabolism and decreased the residue formation (20.7% of the anthracene was transformed). Thus, the higher organic carbon content after compost was added did not increase the level of residue formation. [{sup 14}C]anthracene labeled at position 1,2,3,4,4a,5a was metabolized more rapidly and resulted in formation of higher levels of residues (28.5%) by the soil-compost mixture than [{sup 14}C]anthracene radiolabeled at position C-9 (20.7%). Two phases of residue formation were observed in the experiments. In the first phase the original compound was sequestered in the soil, as indicated by its limited extractability. In the second phase metabolites were incorporated into humic substances after microbial degradation of the PAH (biogenic residue formation). PAH metabolites undergo oxidative coupling to phenolic compounds to form nonhydrolyzable humic substance-like macromolecules. The authors found indications that monomeric educts are coupled by C-C- or either bonds. Hydrolyzable ester bonds or sorption of the parent compounds plays a minor role in residue formation. Moreover, experiments performed with {sup 14}CO{sub 2} revealed that residues may arise from CO{sub 2} in the soil in amounts typical for anthracene biodegradation. The extent of residue formation depends on the metabolic capacity of the soil microflora and the characteristics of the soil. The position of the {sup 14}C label is another important factor which controls mineralization and residue formation from metabolized compounds.
- OSTI ID:
- 346826
- Journal Information:
- Applied and Environmental Microbiology, Vol. 65, Issue 5; Other Information: PBD: May 1999
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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