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Title: Soluble methane monooxygenase production and trichloroethylene degradation by a type I methanotroph, Methylomonas methanica 68-1

Journal Article · · Applied and Environmental Microbiology; (United States)
OSTI ID:6466387
; ;  [1]
  1. Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville (United States)

Soluble methane monooxygenase (sMMO), present in certain methanotrophic bacteria, can oxidize a wide range of carbon substrates including halogenated aliphatic compounds such as trichloroethylene (TCE), a significant ground water pollutant. This study reports the existence of sMMO activity in a type I methanotroph (Methylosinus trichosporium 68-1) isolated from a TCE-contaminated aquifer. The sMMO of 68-1 was compared with that of Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b in terms of TCE degradation kinetics and genetic homology. This study shows that a typical type I methanotrophy (68-1) has the ability to produce sMMO and rapidly degrade TCE, producing a relatively high biomass under the apparent nonoptimal state of copper limitation. As a result, this strain may have considerable bioremediation potential. Further studies will be necessary to determine exactly how the 68-1 sMMO differs from the sMMOs of OB3b and Methylococcus capsulatus both in terms of DNA and protein sequences. 48 refs., 4 figs., 2 tabs.

DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
OSTI ID:
6466387
Journal Information:
Applied and Environmental Microbiology; (United States), Vol. 59:4; ISSN 0099-2240
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English