Premium
Characterization of anaerobic xylene biodegradation by two‐dimensional isotope fractionation analysis
Author(s) -
Herrmann Steffi,
Vogt Carsten,
Fischer Anko,
Kuppardt Anke,
Richnow HansHermann
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
environmental microbiology reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.229
H-Index - 69
ISSN - 1758-2229
DOI - 10.1111/j.1758-2229.2009.00076.x
Subject(s) - fractionation , toluene , chemistry , xylene , isotope fractionation , kinetic isotope effect , hydrogen , isotopes of carbon , carbon fibers , biodegradation , isotope analysis , organic chemistry , biology , materials science , deuterium , total organic carbon , ecology , physics , quantum mechanics , composite number , composite material
Summary We determined stable carbon and hydrogen isotope fractionation factors for anaerobic degradation of xylene isomers by several pure and mixed cultures. All cultures initiated xylene degradation by the addition of fumarate to a methyl moiety, as is known from the literature or verified by the presence of methylbenzylsuccinates as metabolic intermediates. Additionally, the A subunit of benzylsuccinate synthase ( bssA ) was identified in the majority of the cultures by bssA ‐targeted primers. Xylene degradation was always coupled to a significant carbon and hydrogen isotope fractionation. The values of the apparent kinetic isotope effect (AKIE) for carbon and hydrogen indicate that the cleavage of a carbon–hydrogen bond is an isotope‐sensitive step during fumarate addition to xylene isomers. The slopes of the linear regression for hydrogen (Δδ 2 H) versus carbon (Δδ 13 C) discrimination (Λ = Δδ 2 H/Δδ 13 C ≈ εH bulk /εC bulk ) ranged from 12 ± 4 to 29 ± 5 and were comparable to Λ values previously determined for anaerobic toluene degradation. The results suggest that combined carbon and hydrogen isotope fractionation analyses can be used to monitor anaerobic xylene degradation at contaminated sites.