Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Single-throughput Complementary High-resolution Analytical Techniques for Characterizing Complex Natural Organic Matter Mixtures
Published on: January 7, 2019
Microbial phenol degradation of organic compounds in natural systems: Temperature-inhibition relationships
F Eismann1, P Kuschek, U Stottmeister
1Institute for Veterinary Hygiene and Public Veterinary Affairs, University of Leipzig, Semmelweisstr. 4, D-04103, Leipzig, Germany.
Abstract:
The combined influence of high phenol concentrations and low temperatures on aerobic and anaerobic phenol degradation kinetics was investigated in microbial enrichment cultures to evaluate temperature-inhibition relationships with respect to the ambient conditions in polluted habitats. The inhibition of microbial phenol degradation by excess substrate was found to be temperature-dependent. Substrate inhibition was intensified when temperatures were lower. This results in an elevated temperature sensitivity of phenol degradation at inhibitory substrate concentrations. The synergistic amplification of substrate inhibition at low temperatures may help to explain the limited self-purification potential of contaminated habitats such as soils, sediments and groundwater aquifers where high pollutant concentrations and low temperatures prevail.
More Related Videos
07:28Metabolic Profiling to Determine Bactericidal or Bacteriostatic Effects of New Natural Products using Isothermal Microcalorimetry
Published on: October 29, 2020
10:03Isolation, Propagation, and Identification of Bacterial Species with Hydrocarbon Metabolizing Properties from Aquatic Habitats
Published on: December 7, 2021
Related Concept Videos
Physical Methods for Controlling Microbial Growth: Temperature
Factors Influencing Microbial Growth: Temperature
Microbial Bioremediation of Pesticides
Physical Properties of Alcohols and Phenols
Alcohols possess a higher boiling point than aliphatic hydrocarbons of similar...
Biodeterioration
Chemical Agents for Microbial Control