Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Aerobic Biodegradation Testing of Materials Using a Natural Marine Seawater Inoculum and Closed Loop Respirometer
Published on: October 24, 2025
Evaluation of biodegradation potential of organic compounds by river water microorganisms
1Division of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan. inoue@wb.see.eng.osaka-u.ac.jp
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to assess the availability of the biodegradation potential of aniline and phenol as the indicator for evaluating pollutant impact on a river environment. Biodegradation tests employing river water microorganisms were carried out by a modified TOC-Handai method using aniline and phenol as substrates. Complete degradation time and half-life were determined as indicators expressing the biodegradation potential of aniline and phenol, respectively. Investigations in Lake Biwa-Yodo River basin for more than two years showed that the biodegradation potential of both compounds varied seasonally. In addition, aniline biodegradation potential seemed to be influenced by the hydraulic retention time at each sampling station, while downstream stations with large input of wastewater from the surrounding cities were divided from upstream stations by phenol biodegradation potential. Comparison of the biodegradation potential in rivers at different pollution levels also showed that polluted and less polluted rivers were clearly divided by phenol biodegradation potential. These results indicated that phenol biodegradation potential can be applied as an indicator for evaluating the soundness of river environment from the view point of ecological function.
More Related Videos
09:49Prospecting Microbial Strains for Bioremediation and Probiotics Development for Metaorganism Research and Preservation
Published on: October 31, 2019
13:16A Whole Cell Bioreporter Approach to Assess Transport and Bioavailability of Organic Contaminants in Water Unsaturated Systems
Published on: December 24, 2014
Related Concept Videos
Microbial Bioremediation of Hydrocarbons
Microbial Bioremediation of Pesticides
Environmental Applications of Microorganisms
Microbial Wastewater Treatment
Bioremediation
Biological Treatment of Effluent and Waste Water