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Interactions between benzene, toluene, and p‐xylene (BTX) during their biodegradation
Author(s) -
Oh YoungSook,
Shareefdeen Zarook,
Baltzis Basil C.,
Bartha Richard
Publication year - 1994
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.260440417
Subject(s) - toluene , cometabolism , benzene , chemistry , xylene , biodegradation , kinetics , microbial consortium , organic chemistry , m xylene , p xylene , bioremediation , bacteria , microorganism , biology , physics , quantum mechanics , genetics
A microbial consortium and Pseudomonas strain (PPO1) were used in studying biodegradation of benzene, toluene, and p ‐xylene under aeorbic 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 (Andrews) 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. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.