[Bacterial destruction of synthetic organic flotation agents]

Microorganisms that use the flotation agent T-66 as the sole source of carbon have been isolated from soil enriched with this agent. A mixture of bacterial cultures belonging to the genus Pseudomonas (Ps. fluorescens, Ps. desmolyticum, Ps. rathonis, Ps. cyanoides viscosa, and Ps. aeruginosa) oxidized, after adaptation, at a high rate, components of the flotation agent T-66. Aeration of the medium accelerated the destruction. About 90% of the foltation agent components were oxidized within four months. The highest activity was observed during the first two months. The bacteria also decomposed, actively, oxidized kerosene and oxidized recycle stock added as the sole source of carbon to a mineral medium. Introduction of glucose to the medium accelerated destruction of oxidized recycle stock by the microorganisms, but inhibited destruction of oxidized kerosene.