Degradation and mineralization of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons anthracene and naphthalene in intertidal marine sediments
The degradation of the polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) anthracene and naphthalene by the microbiota of intertidal sediments was investigated in laboratory studies. No mineralization of either PAH was observed in the absence of oxygen. Both rates and total amounts of PAH mineralization were strongly controlled by oxygen content and temperature of the incubations. Inorganic nitrogen and glucose amendments had minimal effects on PAH mineralization. The rates and total amounts of PAH mineralized were directly related to compound concentration, pre-exposure time, and concentration. Maximum mineralization was observed at the higher concentrations (5 to 100 ..mu..g/g (ppm)) of both PAHs. Optimal acclimation to anthracene and naphthalene (through pre-exposures to the compounds) occurred at the highest acclimation concentration (1,000 ppm). However, acclimation to a single concentration (100 ppm) resulted in initial relative mineralization rates over a range of re-exposure concentrations (1 to 1,000 ppm) being nearly identical. Maximum mineralization of both PAHs occurred after intermediate periods (1 to 2 weeks) of pre-exposure. The fraction of the total heterotrophic population capable of utilizing anthracene or naphthalene as sole carbon source was also greatest after 2 weeks.
- Research Organization:
- State Univ. of New York, Stony Brook
- OSTI ID:
- 5128937
- Journal Information:
- Appl. Environ. Microbiol.; (United States), Journal Name: Appl. Environ. Microbiol.; (United States) Vol. 50:1; ISSN AEMID
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AEROBIC CONDITIONS
ANTHRACENE
AROMATICS
BIODEGRADATION
CARBON 14 COMPOUNDS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CONDENSED AROMATICS
DATA
DECOMPOSITION
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
HYDROCARBONS
INFORMATION
ISOTOPE APPLICATIONS
LABELLED COMPOUNDS
MICROORGANISMS
MINERALIZATION
NAPHTHALENE
NUMERICAL DATA
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
SEDIMENTS
TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCE
TRACER TECHNIQUES