Anaerobic degradation of toluene by a denitrifying bacterium

Journal Article · Mon Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1991 · Applied and Environmental Microbiology; (United States)

OSTI ID:5624495

Evans, P J; Mang, D T; Kim, Kwang Shin; Young, L Y ^[1]

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1. New York Univ. Medical Center, NY (United States)

A denitrifying bacterium, designated strain T1, that grew with toluene as the sole source of carbon under anaerobic conditions was isolated. The type of agar used in solid media and the toxicity of toluene were determinative factors in the successful isolation of strain T1. Greater than 50% of the toluene carbon was oxidized to CO{sub 2}, and 29% was assimilated into biomass. The oxidation of toluene to CO{sub 2} was stoichiometrically coupled to nitrate reduction and denitrification. Strain T1 was tolerant of and grew on 3 mM toluene after a lag phase. The rate of toluene degradation was 1.8 {mu}mol min{sup {minus}1} liter{sup {minus}1} (56 nmol min{sup {minus}1} mg of protein{sup {minus}1}) in a cell suspension. Strain T1 was distinct from other bacteria that oxidize toluene anaerobically, but it may utilize a similar biochemical pathway of oxidation. In addition, o-xylene was transformed to a metabolite in the presence of toluene but did not serve as the sole source of carbon for growth of strain T1. This transformation was dependent on the degradation of toluene.

• OSTI ID: 5624495
• Journal Information: Applied and Environmental Microbiology; (United States), Journal Name: Applied and Environmental Microbiology; (United States) Vol. 57:4; ISSN 0099-2240; ISSN AEMID
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540310* -- Environment
Aquatic-- Basic Studies-- (1990-)
ALKYLATED AROMATICS
ANAEROBIC CONDITIONS
AROMATICS
BIODEGRADATION
BIOLOGICAL PATHWAYS
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CARBON DIOXIDE
CARBON OXIDES
CHALCOGENIDES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
DECOMPOSITION
DENITRIFICATION
HYDROCARBONS
METABOLISM
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
TOLUENE
XYLENES