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Interactions between benzene, toluene, and p-xylene (BTX) during their biodegradation

Journal Article · · Biotechnology and Bioengineering; (United States)
;  [1]; ;  [2]
  1. Rutgers Univ., New Brunswick, NJ (United States). Dept. of Biochemistry and Microbiology
  2. New Jersey Inst. of Tech., Newark, NJ (United States). Dept. of Chemical Engineering
+ Show Author Affiliations

A microbial consortium and Pseudomonas strain (PPO1) were used in studying biodegradation of benzene, toluene, and p-xylene under aerobic conditions. Studies involved removal of each compound individually as well as in mixture with the others. Both cultures exhibited a qualitatively similar behavior toward each compound. Both the pure culture and the consortium grew on benzene following Monod kinetics, on toluene following inhibitory kinetics, whereas neither could grow on p-xylene. Benzene and toluene mixtures were removed under cross-inhibitory (competitive inhibition) kinetics. In the presence of benzene and/or toluene, p-xylene was cometabolically utilized by both cultures, but was not completely mineralized. Metabolic intermediates of p-xylene accumulated in the medium and were identified. Benzene and toluene were completely mineralized. Cometabolic removal of p-xylene reduced the yields on both benzene and toluene. Except for cometabolism, kinetic constants were determined from data analysis and are compared with values published recently by other researchers.

OSTI ID:
7253516
Journal Information:
Biotechnology and Bioengineering; (United States), Journal Name: Biotechnology and Bioengineering; (United States) Vol. 44:4; ISSN BIBIAU; ISSN 0006-3592
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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Related Subjects

560300* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ALKYLATED AROMATICS
AROMATICS
BACTERIA
BENZENE
BIODEGRADATION
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
DECOMPOSITION
GROWTH
HYDROCARBONS
MICROORGANISMS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PSEUDOMONAS
REMEDIAL ACTION
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
TOLUENE
XYLENES