Utilization of triaryl phosphates by a mixed bacterial population

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Environmental Science
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Triaryl phosphates are widely used as industrial lubricants.
• Their environmental persistence necessitates understanding microbial degradation pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the microbial degradation of triaryl phosphates.
• To identify the microbial components and enzymatic activities involved.

Main Methods:

• Enrichment culture of bacteria using triaryl phosphates as the sole carbon source.
• Pure culture attempts of dominant bacterial species.
• Analysis of cell-free extracts for enzymatic activity.

Main Results:

• A mixed bacterial population grew on Fyrquel 220 and other triaryl phosphates.
• A dominant yellow, Gram-negative rod could not be isolated in pure culture.
• Cell-free extracts released inorganic phosphate from triaryl phosphates, indicating enzyme activity.

Conclusions:

• Mixed microbial communities can degrade triaryl phosphates.
• Enzymes, likely phosphotriesterases, are present in cell-free extracts and facilitate degradation.