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Factors affecting chemical biodegradation
Author(s) -
Liu D.,
Maguire R. J.,
Lau Y. L.,
Pacepavicius G. J.,
Okamura H.,
Aoyama I.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
environmental toxicology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.813
H-Index - 77
eISSN - 1522-7278
pISSN - 1520-4081
DOI - 10.1002/1522-7278(2000)15:5<476::aid-tox16>3.0.co;2-y
Subject(s) - biodegradation , pentachlorophenol , environmental chemistry , biocide , anaerobic exercise , chemistry , environmental science , pulp and paper industry , biology , organic chemistry , physiology , engineering
Microbial degradation is one of the most important processes responsible for the removal of chemical contaminants from the environment. Since the aquatic compartment is frequently the ultimate depository for many man‐made substances, there is a need to understand factors that control and/or affect the rate of biodegradation for chemical substances in the aquatic environment. In this study, several priority chemicals encompassing various biocides (2,4‐dichlorophenoxy acetic acid, carbaryl, fenitrothion, pentachlorophenol) and a nitroaromatic (2,4‐dinitrotoluene) were assessed for their biodegradability in cyclone fermentors under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, with and without co‐metabolites. Among those factors investigated, aerobic and anaerobic conditions, availability of co‐metabolites, and pre‐exposure of microorganisms to the test chemical were found to be the most significant elements in controlling the rate of biodegradation. Other factors (e.g., acclimation period) requiring attention in calculating the rate of biodegradation were also discussed. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Environ Toxicol 15: 476–483, 2000