Inhibition of alkylbenzene biodegradation under denitrifying conditions by using acetylene block technique
Aquifers contaminated with gasoline and other fuels often exhibit levels of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) in excess of regulatory limits mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Addition of acetylene to microcosms simultaneously amended with nitrate and alkylbenzenes resulted in inhibition of the rate of alkylbenzene biodegradation under denitrifying conditions. Toluene, xylenes, and 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene were recalcitrant, whereas ethylbenzene was degraded at a slower rate than usual. Benzene was not degraded in either case. Addition of acetylene to microcosms preexposed to nitrate and alkylbenzenes produced similar inhibition. These data indicate that the activities of microorganisms that degrade alkylbenzenes under denitrifying conditions may be suppressed if the standard acetylene block technique is used to verify denitrifying activity.
- Research Organization:
- ManTech Environmental Technology, Inc., Ada, OK (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 7183396
- Report Number(s):
- PB-93-121242/XAB
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Biotransformation and mineralization of alkylbenzenes under denitrifying conditions
Laboratory and field studies on BTEX biodegradation in a fuel-contaminated aquifer under denitrifying conditions. Book chapter, May 88-Dec 92
Related Subjects
540320* -- Environment
Aquatic-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
ACETYLENE
ALKYLATED AROMATICS
ALKYNES
AQUIFERS
AROMATICS
BENZENE
BIODEGRADATION
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CONTROL
DECOMPOSITION
DENITRIFICATION
FUELS
GASOLINE
GROUND WATER
HYDROCARBONS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
INHIBITION
LIQUID FUELS
MICROORGANISMS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
POLLUTION CONTROL
TOLUENE
USES
WATER
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL
XYLENES