Initial reactions in the anaerobic oxidation of toluene and m-xylene by denitrifying bacteria

Journal Article · Tue Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1994 · Applied and Environmental Microbiology

OSTI ID:50507

Seyfried, B; Glod, G; Schocher, R; Tschech, A; Zeyer, J ^[1]

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1. Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Schlieren (Switzerland)

Anaerobic degradation of toluene has been observed under different redox conditions, and several pure cultures of bacteria which grow anaerobically with toluene have been isolated. Both denitrifying Pseufomonas sp. strain T and denitrifying Pseudomonas sp. strain K172 grow anaerobically with toluene, benzaldehyde, and benzoate, but only strain K172 also grows with benzlyalchohol. Carboxylation of toluene to yield phenylacetate or methylbenzoate does not occur in strains K172 and T. Utilization of benzylalcohol might be considered a prerequisite for initial activation of toluene via methyl group oxidation. This paper describes studies examining the initial reaction in anaerobic toluene degradation by strains T and K172. The initial reaction in anaerobic degradation of m-xylene by strain T. was also examined. The results indicate that initial direct oxidation of the methyl groups of toluene and m-xylene occurs. 21 refs., 3 figs., 3 tabs.

• OSTI ID: 50507
• Journal Information: Applied and Environmental Microbiology, Journal Name: Applied and Environmental Microbiology Journal Issue: 11 Vol. 60; ISSN AEMIDF; ISSN 0099-2240
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

56 BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
APPLIED STUDIES
BIODEGRADATION
BIOLOGICAL PATHWAYS
OXIDATION
PSEUDOMONAS
TOLUENE
XYLENES