Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Single-throughput Complementary High-resolution Analytical Techniques for Characterizing Complex Natural Organic Matter Mixtures
Published on: January 7, 2019
Biogenic volatile organic compounds as a potential stimulator for organic contaminant degradation by soil
Emma McLoughlin1, Angela H Rhodes, Susan M Owen
1Department of Environmental Science, Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK.
Abstract:
The effects of monoterpenes on the degradation of (14)C-2,4-dichlorophenol (DCP) were investigated in soils collected from areas surrounding monoterpene and non-monoterpene-emitting vegetation. Indigenous microorganisms degraded (14)C-2,4-DCP to (14)CO(2), after 1d contact time. Degradation was enhanced by prior exposure of the soils to 2,4-DCP for 32 d, increasing extents of mineralisation up to 60%. Monoterpene amendments further enhanced 2,4-DCP degradation, but only following pre-exposure to both 2,4-DCP and monoterpene, with total 2,4-DCP mineralisation extents of up to 71%. Degradation was greatest at the higher monoterpene concentrations (> or = 1 microg kg(-1)). Total mineralisation extents were similar between concentrations, but higher than the control and the 0.1 microg kg(-1) amendment, indicating that increases in monoterpene concentration has a diminishing enhancing effect. We suggest that monoterpenes can stimulate the biodegradation of 2,4-DCP by indigenous soil microorganisms and that monoterpene amendment in soils is an effective strategy for removing organic contaminants.
Related Concept Videos
Microbial Bioremediation of Hydrocarbons
Bioremediation
Microbial Bioremediation of Pesticides
Soil Microbial Ecology
Environmental Applications of Microorganisms
Microbes and Methanogenesis

