Factors affecting the microbial degradation of phenanthrene in soil. (Reannouncement with new availability information)

Technical Report · Tue Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1991

OSTI ID:91429

Manilal, V B; Alexander, M

Because phenanthrene was mineralized more slowly in soils than in liquid media, a study was conducted to determine the environmental factors that may account for the slow biodegradation in soil. Mineralization was enhanced by additions of phosphate but not potassium, and it was reduced by additions of nitrate. Aeration or amending the soil with glucose affected the rate of mineralization, although not markedly. Phenanthrene was sorbed to soil constituents, the extent of sorption being directly related to the percentage of organic matter in the soil. Soluble phenanthrene was not detected after addition of the compound to a muck soil. The rate of mineralization was slow in the organic soil and higher in mineral soils with lower percentages of organic matter. We suggest that sorption by soil organic matter slows the biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that are otherwise readily metabolized.

• Research Organization: Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY (United States). Lab. of Soil Microbiology
• OSTI ID: 91429
• Report Number(s): AD-A--239757/8/XAB; CNN: Contract DAAL03-89-K-0176
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
BIODEGRADATION
MINERALIZATION
PHENANTHRENE
POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS