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Effect of copper on the degradation of phenanthrene by soil micro‐organisms
Author(s) -
Sokhn J.,
De Leij F.A.A.M.,
Hart T.D.,
Lynch J.M.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
letters in applied microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.698
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1472-765X
pISSN - 0266-8254
DOI - 10.1046/j.1472-765x.2001.00972.x
Subject(s) - phenanthrene , copper , environmental chemistry , mineralization (soil science) , bioremediation , chemistry , polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon , soil contamination , soil water , nitrogen , contamination , organic chemistry , ecology , biology
Aims: The effect of copper on the degradation by soil micro‐organisms of phenanthrene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, was investigated. Methods and Results: Inert nylon filters were incubated in the soil for 28 days at 25°C. Each filter was inoculated with a soil suspension, phenanthrene (400 ppm), copper (0, 70, 700 or 7000 ppm) and nitrogen/phosphorus sources. The filters were assessed for phenanthrene degradation, microbial respiration and colonization. Phenanthrene degradation proceeded even at toxic copper levels (700/7000 ppm), indicating the presence of phenanthrene‐degrading, copper‐resistant and/or ‐tolerant microbes. However, copper at these high levels reduced microbial activity (CO 2 evolution). Conclusions: High levels of copper caused an incomplete mineralization of phenanthrene and possible accumulation of its metabolites. Significance and Impact of the Study: The presence of heavy metals in soils could seriously affect the bioremediation of PAH‐polluted environments.