[Microorganisms destroying a number of nonionogenic surface-active substances]

Microorganisms destroying nonionogenic surfactants (NS) were selected. The isolated cultures were assigned to the genera Pseudomonas and Bacillus. Biodestruction of 19 NS was studied in Erlenmeyer flasks with shaking and in the course of continuous cultivation. The rate of destruction was shown to depend on the chemical structure of a substance: block-copolymers of ethylene and propylene oxides were more resistant to the action of microorganisms. The results indicate that sewage waters containing NS (at an initial concentration of 50 to 500 mg/l) can be purified on local installations using microbial cultures or their complexes.