Biodegradability of chlorophenols and mixtures of chlorophenols in seawater

Journal Article · Sat Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1989 · Ecotoxicol. Environ. Saf.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0147-6513(89)90040-7· OSTI ID:5823252

Lindgaard-Jorgensen, P

Laboratory studies using chemical concentrations comparable to those found in nature have provided considerable knowledge of microbial transformations in nature. Although the number of studies performed is increasing rapidly, the effects of low substrate levels on growth, enzyme induction, enzyme activity, and the use of mixtures of substrates have not yet been clarified. Likewise, studies at low concentrations in seawater are lacking. This paper describes a study of the rates of degradation of chlorophenols 4-chlor-2-methylphenol, 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol at concentrations ranging from 2 to 18 micrograms/liter. The compounds were tested separately, in a mixture, and in waste water containing other organics. The obtained rates of 2,4-DCP in seawater were comparable to those found in fresh water. Also, the rates were in general agreement with a kinetic model proposed for degradation of chlorophenols. The rates of degradation of chlorophenols in the mixture were comparable to those found when tested separately. In the waste, very low rates were observed. It is suggested that this might be explained by a toxic effect, caused by other substances in the waste water, on the microorganisms considered to be active in degrading the chlorophenols at low concentrations.

• Research Organization: Water Quality Institute, Horsholm (Denmark)
• OSTI ID: 5823252
• Journal Information: Ecotoxicol. Environ. Saf.; (United States), Journal Name: Ecotoxicol. Environ. Saf.; (United States) Vol. 17:2; ISSN EESAD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

550200* -- Biochemistry
560300 -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AROMATICS
BIODEGRADATION
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CHLORINATED AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
DECOMPOSITION
DISPERSIONS
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
HALOGENATED AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MIXTURES
ORGANIC CHLORINE COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION
SEAWATER
WATER
WATER POLLUTION