Enhancement of solubilization and biodegradation of polyaromatic hydrocarbons by the bioemulsifier alasan
Article Abstract:
The biodegradation rate of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) may be facilitated through the use of alasan, a polymeric biosurfactant produced by Acinetobacter radioresistens. By increasing the apparent aqueous solubility of high-molecular-weight PAHs, alasan has been found to enhance the biodegradation of pyrene, phenanthrene and fluoranthene at considerable levels. Such interaction may be explained by the inert properties of PAHs to react with the hydrophobic regions of alasan and the tendency of reactants to reduce the surface tension of substrates when exposed to biosurfactants. The experiment further yielded convincing results on the potential use of PAHS in bioremediating contaminated sites.
Publication Name: Applied and Environmental Microbiology
Subject: Biological sciences
ISSN: 0099-2240
Year: 1999
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Biodegradation of aromatic hydrocarbons in an extremely acidic environment
Article Abstract:
Soil and surface water samples having different polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations and hydrogen-ion concentration (pH) values were analyzed to investigate the biodegradation of aromatic hydrocarbons in an extremely acidic environment. Results suggest that the degradation of aromatic compounds involves several microorganisms rather than an individual acidophilic bacteria. Mineralization experiments were then performed on microorganisms isolated from the samples. Results show that biodegradation of aromatic hydrocarbons can occur in extremely low pH environments.
Publication Name: Applied and Environmental Microbiology
Subject: Biological sciences
ISSN: 0099-2240
Year: 1998
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Hexadecane mineralization in oxygen-controlled sediment-seawater cultivations with autochthonous microorganisms
Article Abstract:
The effects of different dissolved oxygen tensions (DOT) on microbial mineralization of hexadecane were investigated. The results showed that aerobic hexadecane degradation could proceed at levels similar to control levels at oxygen tensions 5% of the saturation concentration. Negligible effects were observed even at 1% of saturation concentration. Further reductions to up to 0.4% could alter the degradation kinetics but did not affect the rate. These results demonstrate that the actual oxygen concentration is not a major factor in hexadecane biodegradation.
Publication Name: Applied and Environmental Microbiology
Subject: Biological sciences
ISSN: 0099-2240
Year: 1992
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