Effects of a chromated-copper-arsenate wood preservative on the bacterial degradation of pentachlorophenol

The effect of a chromated-copper-arsenate wood preservative on the degradation of pentachlorophenol by Flavobacterium sp. strain ATCC 53874 was examined in liquid culture. Both a commercially available and a laboratory-prepared formulation were tested. Each increased the lag time required for measurable pentachlorophenol degradation and the time required for complete degradation to nondetectable levels. This response was noted at all pentachlorophenol concentrations examined (10, 25, 50, 75, and 100 micrograms.mL-1). The commercial formulation of chromated-copper-arsenate had the more significant impact on pentachlorophenol degradation. Inhibitory effects were evident at chromated-copper-arsenate component metal concentrations 0.1-0.5 mg.L-1. These levels are thousands of times below those used commercially.