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Microbial degradation of asphalt
Author(s) -
Traxler R. W.
Publication year - 1962
Publication title -
biotechnology and bioengineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.136
H-Index - 189
eISSN - 1097-0290
pISSN - 0006-3592
DOI - 10.1002/bit.260040403
Subject(s) - asphalt , degradation (telecommunications) , bacteria , microorganism , microbial biodegradation , chemistry , biodegradation , environmental chemistry , environmental science , biochemical engineering , materials science , biology , organic chemistry , composite material , engineering , telecommunications , genetics
It would appear from these data that indeed asphalt degradation by bacteria does occur and can be rather rapid under laboratory conditions. The types of bacteria capable of degrading asphalt are diverse. The effects of temperature, pH, and oxygen tension on asphalt degradation are important but not always critical. The optimum conditions vary for different organisms. There are differences in the mechanisms of asphalt assimilation and degradation. There is a specificity of action by different bacteria which most likely involves the chemical components of the asphalts and the enzymatic action of the microorganism.