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Peroxidative degradation of selected PCB: a mechanistic study
1Center for Environmental Research, Leipzig Halle Ltd., Germany. koeller@ana.ufz.de
Chemosphere
|November 4, 2000
Summary
Enzyme-induced decomposition effectively degraded polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) with hydrogen peroxide removed 90% of PCB 9, while the fungus Trametes multicolor biodegraded 80% of PCB 9.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Biotechnology
- Bioremediation
Background:
- Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants.
- Enzymatic and microbial degradation offer potential remediation strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the enzyme-induced decomposition and biodegradation of PCBs.
- To compare the efficiency and mechanisms of different degradation methods.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-induced decomposition using horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and hydrogen peroxide.
- Biodegradation using the white rot fungus Trametes multicolor.
- Analysis of degradation products and dechlorination steps.
Main Results:
- HRP treatment removed 90% of PCB 9 and 55% of PCB 52 in 220 minutes.
- Biodegradation by Trametes multicolor reduced PCB 9 by 80% in four weeks.
- Dechlorination was an initial step, with different metabolites produced by HRP and the fungus.
Conclusions:
- Enzymatic and microbial methods show promise for PCB degradation.
- Different pathways and metabolites are generated by HRP and fungal biodegradation.
- Further research can optimize these methods for effective PCB remediation.