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Factors affecting PCB degradation by an implanted bacterial strain in soil microcosms
1Université du Québec, Institut national de la recherche scientifique-Santé, Pointe-Claire, Canada.
Canadian Journal of Microbiology
|June 1, 1993
Summary
Pseudomonas testosteroni B-356 degrades polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in soil. Constant biphenyl cosubstrate and a biosurfactant producer enhanced PCB breakdown, particularly for highly chlorinated congeners.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Bioremediation
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants.
- Pseudomonas testosteroni B-356 shows potential for PCB degradation in liquid cultures.
- Soil microcosms are used to study microbial degradation of contaminants.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate Pseudomonas testosteroni B-356's PCB degradation in soil.
- Identify factors enhancing bacterial PCB degradation performance.
- Optimize conditions for bioremediation of Aroclor 1242.
Main Methods:
- Soil microcosms inoculated with Pseudomonas testosteroni B-356.
- Addition of biphenyl as a cosubstrate (single vs. repeated).
- Co-inoculation with Alcaligenes faecalis B-556 (biosurfactant producer).
Main Results:
- Biphenyl cosubstrate significantly enhanced PCB degradation.
- Repeated biphenyl addition improved degradation of tetrachlorinated PCBs.
- Co-inoculation with Alcaligenes faecalis B-556 increased congener degradation.
- Optimal conditions yielded ~30% Aroclor 1242 degradation.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial strain P. testosteroni B-356 can degrade PCBs in soil.
- Biphenyl availability and bioavailability are key factors for efficient degradation.
- Combined strategies (cosubstrate, biosurfactant) improve bioremediation efficacy.