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Biochemical and photochemical processes in the degradation of chlorinated biphenyls. [Pseudomonas]

Journal Article · · Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es00126a008· OSTI ID:6441961

Resting suspensions of a pseudomonad isolated from activated sludge and grown with biphenyl as the sole carbon and energy source converted 2,4'-dichlorobiphenyl to a variety of products, including two monochlorobenzoic acids, two monohydroxydichlorobiphenyls probably produced by dehydration of the corresponding dihydrodiols, and a yellow hydroxyoxo(chlorophenyl)chlorohexadienoic acid. Irradiation of the metabolite mixture led to the disappearance of the yellow compound and appearance of two monochloroacetophenones. The same or very similar compounds, and analogous more highly chlorinated compounds, were produced from Aroclor 1242, a commercial polychlorinated biphenyl mixture. It is suggested that successive biochemical and photochemical processes may contribute to the degradation of chlorinated biphenyls in the environment.

Research Organization:
National Water Research Inst., Burlington, Ontario
OSTI ID:
6441961
Journal Information:
Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 18:8; ISSN ESTHA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English