Copper toxicity towards a pentachlorophenol-degrading flavobacterium sp

Journal Article · Mon Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1994 · Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00194148· OSTI ID:6611326

Wall, A J; Stratton, G W ^[1]

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1. Nova Scotia Agricultural College (Canada)

Increasing public concern over the contamination of the environment with industrial wastes has elicited considerable research into methods of removing them from soil and water. Bioremediation is a microbial technique that has been proposed as an alternative to more conventional waste management processes such as charcoal trapping, incineration and landfill disposal. However, contaminated sites normally contain a complex mixture of toxicants limiting field application, usually as a result of inhibitory effects by the co-occurring toxicants. Consequently, detailed information is required on biodegradation processes in the presence of multiple toxicants to accurately assess the feasibility of using bioremediation. Data are generally unavailable. In North America, creosote, pentachlorophenol (PCP), and aqueous formulations of arsenic, copper, and either chromium or ammonia are the chemicals most commonly used for wood preservation. Combinations of these toxicants are commonly found in the soil and ground water near wood-preserving facilities. PCP is a priority pollutant that exhibits broad spectrum toxicity and a potential carcinogen. A Flavobacterium sp. (ATCC 53874) capable of utilizing PCP as a sole carbon source has been isolated and progress has been made towards field application for the in situ biodegradation of PCP. However, toxic metals are common contaminants of natural waters and soils and may adversely affect biodegradation processes. Chromium, copper and arsenic, which are the active ingredients of chromated-copper-arsenate (CCA) wood preservatives, are often found in association with PCP contamination. CCA formulations are known to inhibit PCP degradation by Flavobacterium. The present study examines the effects of copper (as Cu[sup +2]) on the growth and metabolic activity of a PCP-degrading Flavobacterium sp. Such information is essential for accurate predictions regarding the biodegradation of PCP in metal-contaminated environments. 20 refs., 3 figs.

• OSTI ID: 6611326
• Journal Information: Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology; (United States), Journal Name: Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology; (United States) Vol. 52:4; ISSN 0007-4861; ISSN BECTA6
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540220* -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
560300 -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AROMATICS
BIODEGRADATION
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CONTAMINATION
COPPER
DECOMPOSITION
ELEMENTS
HYDROXY COMPOUNDS
INDUSTRIAL WASTES
INHIBITION
MANAGEMENT
METALS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PHENOLS
SOILS
TOXICITY
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTES