Enhancement of BTX biodegradation by benzoate
- Univ. of Iowa, Iowa City, IA (United States). Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Aquifer microcosms were used to investigate the effect of adding environmentally benign aromatic substrates on the phenotypic composition of indigenous microbial communities. Addition of aromatic compounds (i.e., benzoate or phenylalanine) exerted preferential selective pressure for benzene, toluene and xylene (BTX) degraders. Addition of a non-aromatic substrate (i.e., acetate), however, did not stimulate a significant increase in the fraction of total heterotrophs capable of degrading BTX. A selective proliferation of BTX degraders would enhance biodegradation kinetics, which should decrease the duration (and cost) of BTX bioremediation. Proof of concept was obtained with laboratory aquifer columns that were continuously fed benzene, toluene, and o-xylene. Benzoate addition to the column`s influent enhanced aerobic BTX degradation and attenuated BTX breakthrough relative to acetate-amended or unamended control columns.
- OSTI ID:
- 484960
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-950483--; ISBN 1-57477-009-8
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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