Concentration dependent growth/non-growth linked kinetics of endosulfan biodegradation by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pseudomonas aeruginosa</Emphasis>

The rates of biodegradation of endosulfan by P. aeruginosa were determined with different initial endosulfan concentrations (10, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 mg l⁻¹) and different growth linked kinetic models were fitted at these concentrations. At 10 mg endosulfan l⁻¹, Monod no growth model was well fitted. Monod with growth model described the biodegradation pattern at an initial concentration of 50, 100 and 150 mg endosulfan l⁻¹. Significant increases of P. aeruginosa MN2B14 density in broth culture during incubation further support this result. Conversely, zero order kinetic model was well fitted into the biodegradation data if initial endosulfan concentration was ≥200 mg endosulfan l⁻¹. The kinetics of endosulfan biodegradation by P. aeruginosa MN2B14 in liquid broth was highly dependent upon its initial concentration. The results of this study could be employed for predicting the persistence of endosulfan in water environment containing P. aeruginosa as an endosulfan degrading bacterium.     

Biodegradation of α- and β-endosulfan by soil bacteria

Extensive applications of persistent organochlorine pesticides like endosulfan on cotton have led to the contamination of soil and water environments at several sites in Pakistan. Microbial degradation offers an effective approach to remove such toxicants from the environment. This study reports the isolation of highly efficient endosulfan degrading bacterial strains from soil. A total of 29 bacterial strains were isolated through enrichment technique from 15 specific sites using endosulfan as sole sulfur source. The strains differed substantially in their potential to degrade endosulfan in vitro ranging from 40 to 93% of the spiked amount (100 mg l⁻¹). During the initial 3 days of incubation, there was very little degradation but it got accelerated as the incubation period proceeded. Biodegradation of endosulfan by these bacteria also resulted in substantial decrease in pH of the broth from 8.2 to 3.7 within 14 days of incubation. The utilization of endosulfan was accompanied by increased optical densities (OD₅₉₅) of the broth ranging from 0.511 to 0.890. High performance liquid chromatography analyses revealed that endosulfan diol and endosulfan ether were among the products of endosulfan metabolism by these bacterial strains while endosulfan sulfate, a persistent and toxic metabolite of endosulfan, was not detected in any case. The presence of endosulfan diol and endosulfan ether in the bacterial metabolites was further confirmed by GC-MS. Abiotic degradation contributed up to 21% of the spiked amount. The three bacterial strains, Pseudomonas spinosa, P. aeruginosa, and Burkholderia cepacia, were the most efficient degraders of both α- and β-endosulfan as they consumed more than 90% of the spiked amount (100 mg l⁻¹) in the broth within 14 days of incubation. Maximum biodegradation by these three selected efficient bacterial strains was observed at an initial pH of 8.0 and at an incubation temperature of 30°C. The results of this study may imply that these bacterial strains could be employed for bioremediation of endosulfan polluted soil and water environments.     

Enhanced lindane removal from soil slurry by immobilized Streptomyces consortium

The aim of this work was to assess lindane removal from soil slurry by a Streptomyces consortium immobilized in cloth sachets, at different inoculum, lindane and slurry concentrations. In concentrated slurry (soil/water ratio of 2:3), the higher lindane removal (35.3 mg Kg⁻¹) was obtained with the medium inoculum (10⁷ CFU g⁻¹) and the highest lindane concentration tested, at 7 days of incubation. Although, lindane removal was also detected in abiotic controls, probably caused by pesticide adsorption to soil particles. Thus, these parameters were selected for evaluating the pesticide removal in diluted slurry (soil/water ratio of 1:4). After 14 days of incubation, 28.7 mg Kg⁻¹ of lindane were removed. Also, a phytotoxicity assay demonstrated that seeds growing on diluted slurries bioremediated during 7 and 14 days, showed an improvement in biological parameters, compared to those growing on non-bioremediated slurries. Thus, bioremediated slurries would not have toxic effects on lettuce seeds.     

Isolation and characterization of a Mycobacterium strain that metabolizes the insecticide endosulfan

AIM: The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize a bacterium capable of metabolizing endosulfan. METHODS AND RESULTS: A endosulfan-degrading bacterium (strain ESD) was isolated from soil inoculum after repeated culture with the insecticide as the sole source of sulfur. Analysis of its 16S rRNA gene sequence, and morphological and physiological characteristics revealed it to be a new fast-growing Mycobacterium, closely related to other Mycobacterium species with xenobiotic-degrading capabilities. Degradation of endosulfan by strain ESD involved both oxidative and sulfur-separation reactions. Strain ESD did not degrade endosulfan when sulfite, sulphate or methionine were present in the medium along with the insecticide. Partial degradation occurred when the culture was grown, with endosulfan, in the presence of MOPS (3-(N-morpholino)propane sulphonic acid), DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide), cysteine or sulphonane and complete degradation occurred in the presence of gutathione. When both beta-endosulfan and low levels of sulphate were provided as the only sources of sulfur, biphasic exponential growth was observed with endosulfan metabolism being restricted to the latter phase of exponential growth. CONCLUSIONS: This study isolated a Mycobacterium strain (strain ESD) capable of metabolizing endosulfan by both oxidative and sulfur-separation reactions. The endosulfan-degrading reactions are a result of the sulfur-starvation response of this bacterium. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This describes the isolation of a Mycobacterium strain capable of degrading the insecticide endosulfan. This bacterium is a valuable source of enzymes for use in enzymatic bioremediation of endosulfan residues.     

Optimizing biodegradation of phenanthrene dissolved in nonaqueous-phase liquids

 A study was conducted to optimize the biodegradation in soil slurries of phenanthrene initially dissolved in nonaqueous-phase liquids (NAPLs). The slow rate of degradation of phenanthrene in dibutyl phthalate was increased by addition of phenanthrene-degrading microorganisms to soil slurries containing the NAPL. The rate was further increased and the acclimation phase was shortened if the inoculum was grown in a medium containing the hydrocarbon and the phthalate before addition to the slurries. Composition of the growth medium only shortened the acclimation but had no effect on the rate. Vigorous agitation increased the rate and extent of mineralization of phenanthrene in dibutyl phthalate. The effect of temperature was affected by the presence and identity of the inoculum. Rapid and extensive mineralization of phenanthrene initially present in hexadecane and diesel oil were attained by use of intense agitation of the NAPL/soil slurry and inoculation with microorganisms grown in the presence of the NAPLs, but the influence of these variables was less with other NAPLs. Vigorous agitation and addition of an inoculum 24 h after introduction of a nonionic surfactant enhanced biodegradation of phenanthrene initially in 150 Bright stock oil and dibutyl phthalate. The results suggest improved means for the bioremediation of sites contaminated with NAPLs. Received: 17 May 1995/Received revision: 1 August 1995/Accepted: 22 August 1995     

A TLC bioautographic method for the detection of α‐ and β‐glucosidase inhibitors in plant extracts

Introduction – Bioautographic assays using TLC play an important role in the search for active compounds from plants. A TLC assay has previously been established for the detection of β‐glucosidase inhibitors but not for α‐glucosidase. Nonetheless, α‐glucosidase inhibition is an important target for therapeutic agents against of type 2 diabetes and anti‐viral infections. Objective – To develop a TLC bioautographic method to detect α‐ and β‐glucosidase inhibitors in plant extracts. Methodology – The enzymes α‐ and β‐d ‐glucosidase were dissolved in sodium acetate buffer. After migration of the samples, the TLC plate was sprayed with enzyme solution and incubated at room temperature for 60 min in the case of α‐d ‐glucosidase, and 37°C for 20 min in the case of β‐d ‐glucosidase. For detection of the active enzyme, solutions of 2‐naphthyl‐α‐D‐glucopyranoside or 2‐naphthyl‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside and Fast Blue Salt were mixed at a ratio of 1 : 1 (for α‐d ‐glucosidase) or 1 : 4 (for β‐d ‐glucosidase) and sprayed onto the plate to give a purple background colouration after 2–5 min. Results – Enzyme inhibitors were visualised as white spots on the TLC plates. Conduritol B epoxide inhibited α‐d ‐glucosidase and β‐d ‐glucosidase down to 0.1 µg. Methanol extracts of Tussilago farfara and Urtica dioica after migration on TLC gave enzymatic inhibition when applied in amounts of 100 µg for α‐glucosidase and 50 µg for β‐glucosidase. Conclusion – The screening test was able to detect inhibition of α‐ and β‐glucosidases by pure reference substances and by compounds present in complex matrices, such as plant extracts. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Screening of soil fungi for in vitro degradation of endosulfan

Intensive use of endosulfan has resulted in contamination of soil and water environments at various sites in Pakistan. This study was conducted to isolate efficient endosulfan-degrading fungal strains from contaminated soils. Sixteen fungal strains were isolated from fifteen specific sites by employing enrichment techniques while using endosulfan as a sole sulfur source, and tested for their potential to degrade endosulfan. Among these fungal strains, Chaetosartorya stromatoides, Aspergillus terricola, and Aspergillus terreus degraded both α- and β-endosulfan upto 75% in addition to ∼20% abiotic degradation of the spiked amount (100 mg l⁻¹) in the broth within 12 days of incubation. Biodegradation of endosulfan by soil fungi was accompanied by a substantial decrease in pH of the broth from 7.0 to 3.2. The major metabolic product was endosulfan diol along with very low concentrations of endosulfan ether. Maximum biodegradation of endosulfan by these selected fungal strains was found at an initial broth pH of 6, incubation temperature of 30°C and under agitation conditions. This study indicates that the isolated strains carried efficient enzyme systems required for bioremediation of endosulfan-contaminated soil and water environments.     

Microcosmic study of endosulfan degradation by Paenibacillus sp. ISTP10 and its toxicological evaluation using mammalian cell line

In the present study, an endosulfan degrading strain Paenibacillus sp. ISTP10 was isolated from activated sludge. Soil microcosms were set up with endosulfan (60 mg kg⁻¹ of dry soil) to evaluate the degradation potency of the strain. Soil samples from the microcosms were collected at regular intervals and the organic compounds were extracted with hexane. GC–MS analysis of the soil extract showed the formation of metabolites of endosulfan such as endosulfan diol and endosulfan ether confirming that the strain degrades endosulfan via a hydrolytic pathway. Methyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay for cytotoxicity and alkaline comet assay for genotoxicity were carried out in human hepato-carcinoma cell line HepG2 to evaluate the toxic potential of endosulfan and its degraded metabolites. The bacterium reduced toxicity as determined by an increase in LC₅₀ value by 75.86 fold and a reduction in Olive Tail Moment by 21 fold after 30 days of treatment. The by-products of degradation were found to be less toxic than the parent compound showing the biodegradation and detoxification potential of endosulfan by Paenibacillus sp. ISTP10.     

Activation of an indigenous microbial consortium for bioaugmentation of pentachlorophenol/creosate contaminated soils

Soil activation, a concept based on the cultivation of biomass from a fraction of a comtaminated soil for subsequent use as an inoculum for bioaugmentation of the same soil, was studied as a method for the aerobic biodegradation of pentachlorophenol (PCP) and polycyclic hydrocarbons (PAH) in contaminated soils. A microbial consortium able to degrade PCP and PAH in contaminated soil from wood-preserving facilities was isolated and characterized for PCP degradation and resistance. To obtain an active consortium from the contaminated soil in a fed-batch bioreactor, the presence of soil as a support or source of nutrients was found to be essential. During the 35 days of bioreactor operation, residual PCP in solution remained near zero up to a loading rate of 700mg/l per day. The PCP meneralization rate increased from 70 mg/l per day when no PCP was added to the bioreactor to 700 mg/l per day at the maximum loading rate. The consortium tolerated a PCP concentration of 400 mg/l in batch experiments. Production of a PCP-degrading consortium in a fed-batch slurry bioreactor enhanced the activity of PCP biodegradation by a factor of ten. PAH biodegradation increased, during the same time period, by a factor of 30 and 81 for phenanthrene and pyrene, respectively. Preliminary laboratory-scale results indicated that a significant reduction in the time required for degradation of PCP and PAH in contaminated soil could be achieved using activated soil as an inoculum.Issued as NRC 33861 correspondence to: R. Samson     

Biodegradation of the organochlorine insecticide, endosulfan, and the toxic metabolite, endosulfan sulfate, by Klebsiella oxytoca KE-8

Biodegradation of endosulfan, a chlorinated cyclodiene insecticide, is generally accompanied by production of the more toxic and more persistent metabolite, endosulfan sulfate. Since our reported endosulfan degrader, Klebsiella pneumoniae KE-1, failed to degrade endosulfan sulfate, we tried to isolate an endosulfan sulfate degrader from endosulfan-polluted soils. Through repetitive enrichment and successive subculture using mineral salt medium containing endosulfan or endosulfan sulfate as the sole source of carbon and energy, we isolated a bacterium capable of degrading endosulfan sulfate as well as endosulfan. The bacterium KE-8 was identified as Klebsiella oxytoca from the results of 16S rDNA sequence analysis. In biodegradation assays with KE-8 using mineral salt medium containing endosulfan (150 mg l^–1) or endosulfan sulfate (173 mg l^–1), the biomass was rapidly increased to an optical density at 550 nm of 1.9 in 4 days and the degradation constants for - and -endosulfan, and endosulfan sulfate were 0.3084, 0.2983 and 0.2465 day^–1, respectively. Analysis of the metabolites further suggested that K. oxytoca KE-8 has high potential as a biocatalyst for bioremediation of endosulfan and/or endosulfan sulfate.     

Evaluation of a method to measure conjugal transfer of recombinant DNA in soil slurries

Release of recombinant microbes into the environment necessitates an evaluation of their ability to transfer genetic material. The present report evaluates a method to detect conjugal DNA plasmid transfer in soil slurries under various environmental conditions. DonorPseudomonas cepacia containing pR388::Tn1721 andP. cepacia recipient cultures were coincubated in soil slurries containing autoclaved or natural soil and treated with one or more of 14 experimental conditions. Conjugal mating frequency (transconjugants per initial donor) ranged from 4.8×10^–1 to 1.9×10^–7. Highest numbers of transconjugants, 1.5×10⁷ colony forming units/ml soil slurry, were observed following incubation at 35°C with an enriched nutrient supplement added to the soil. Low numbers of transconjugants, 10³ colony forming units/ml soil slurry, were observed when mating pairs were subjected to low nutrient or pH stress even though initial donor and recipient populations were maintained at high levels. This test system provides a simple way to estimate effects of changing environmental factors on plasmid transfer rates and on the survival of recombinant microorganisms. By use of soil collected from sites proposed to receive genetically engineered microorganisms, preliminary risk assessments can be obtained regarding the potential for gene transfer and microorganism survival with this soil slurry test system.     

Biodegradation of monohalogenated alkanes by soil NH(3)-oxidizing bacteria

Although cooxidative biodegradation of monohalogenated hydrocarbons has been well studied in the model NH₃-oxidizing bacterium, Nitrosomonas europaea, virtually no information exists about cooxidation of these compounds by native populations of NH₃-oxidizing bacteria. To address this subject, nitrifying activity was stimulated to 125–400 nmol NO₃ ^– produced g^–1 soil h^–1 by first incubating a Ca(OH)₂-amended, silt loam soil (pH 7.0±0.2) at field capacity (270 g H₂O kg^–1 soil) with 10 μmol NH₄ ⁺ g^–1 soil for 14 days, followed by another 10 days of incubation in a shaken slurry (2:1 water:soil, v/w) with periodic pH adjustment and maintenance of 10 mM NH₄ ⁺. These slurries actively degraded both methyl bromide (MeBr) and ethyl chloride (EtCl) at maximum rates of 20–30 nmol ml^–1 h^–1 that could be sustained for approximately 12 h. Although the MeBr degradation rates were linear for the first 10–12 h of incubation, they could not be sustained regardless of NH₄ ⁺ level and declined to zero over 20 h of incubation. The transformation capacity of the slurry enrichments (~1 μmol MeBr ml^–1 soil slurry) was similar to the value measured previously in cell suspensions of N. europaea with similar NH₃-oxidizing activity. Several MeBr-degrading characteristics of the nitrifying enrichments were found to be similar to those documented in the literature for MeBr-degrading methanotrophs and facultatively methylotrophic bacteria. Electronic Publication     

Spore germination of the psychrotolerant, red meat spoiler, Clostridium frigidicarnis

Aims: To determine germination triggers of Clostridium frigidicarnis, an important spoilage bacterium of chilled vacuum‐packed meat. Methods and Results: Germination of Cl. frigidicarnis spores in the presence of a range of potential nutrient and non‐nutrient germinants was tested by monitoring the fall in optical density and by phase‐contrast microscopy. The amino acid l ‐valine induced strong germination when paired with l ‐lactate in sodium phosphate under anaerobic conditions. Several other amino acids promoted germination when paired with l ‐lactate in sodium phosphate and the co‐germinants NaHCO₃ and l ‐cysteine. Heat activation, while not necessary for germination, increased the rate of germination. Spore germination was not observed when spores were incubated aerobically. Conclusions: Spores of psychrotolerant Cl. frigidicarnis germinated in the presence of l ‐valine in combination with l ‐lactate in sodium phosphate buffer under anaerobic conditions. Significance and Impact of the Study: Anaerobic conditions, l ‐valine and l ‐lactate, have been identified as triggering germination in Cl. frigidicarnis, and are all present in packs of fresh, vacuum‐packaged, red meat. This new information adds to what is known about red meat spoilage by cold tolerant clostridia and can be used to develop intervention strategies to prevent meat spoilage.     

Kinetics of Endosulfan Biodegradation by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia EN-1 Isolated From Pesticide-Contaminated Soil

Endosulfan is one of the persistent organochlorinated pesticides used extensively throughout the world, particularly in the developing countries. Its microbial metabolic transformation product endosulfan sulphate is more toxic and persistent than the parent compound itself. In order to completely mineralize endosulfan, augmentation of soil microbial community with efficient endosulfan degradation properties could a potentially viable option. In the present study, endosulfan degrading bacterium was isolated from the agriculture-contaminated soil of Shujaabad, Multan, Pakistan by using enrichment technique. The isolated bacterial strain EN-1 (Endosulfan-1) was identified as S. maltophilia by 16S rRNA sequencing and biochemical analysis. EN-1 has demonstrated the ability to utilize endosulfan as sole sulfur source. Kinetics of endosulfan degradation was studied at various initial concentrations ranges from 5 mg/L to 100 mg/L by growth dependent and growth independent kinetic models. Biodegradation kinetics revealed that the bacterium was highly efficient in endosulfan degradation. The average values of kinetic constants i.e. K_s, and µ_max were 13.73 mg/L and 0.210 h^?1 respectively, while µ_max/K_s ratio was 0.015. Addition of sulfur decreased the rate of degradation as the µ_max/K_s was observed to reduce. GC-MS analysis revealed that the bacterium metabolised the endosulfan into non-toxic metabolite i.e. endosulfan diol. The study instigates a complete elucidation of degradation process for commercial applications.     

Isolation and characterization of a Pseudomonas sp. strain IITR01 capable of degrading α‐endosulfan and endosulfan sulfate

Aim: To isolate bacteria capable of degrading endosulfan (ES) and the more toxic ES sulfate and to characterize their metabolites. Methods and Results: A Pseudomonas sp. strain IITR01 capable of degrading α‐ES and toxic ES sulfate was isolated using technical‐ES through enrichment culture techniques. No growth and no degradation were observed using β‐ES. Thin‐layer chromatography and gas chromatography‐mass spectrum analysis revealed the disappearance of both α‐ES and ES sulfate and the formation of hydroxylated products ES diol, ether and lactone. We show here for the first time the formation of aforementioned metabolites in contrast to ES hemisulfate yielded by an Arthrobacter sp. Metabolism of α‐ES and endosulfate was also observed using the crude cell extract of IITR01. The molecular mass of protein induced during the degradation of α‐ES and sulfate as substrate was found to be approximately 150 kDa as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE). Conclusion: We describe characterization of bacterium capable of degrading α‐ES and ES sulfate but not β‐ES. Genetic investigation suggests that a gene nonhomologous to the reported esd may be present in the strain IITR01. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study describes toxic ES degradation by a Pseudomonas species that may be utilized for the bioremediation of the industrial soils contaminated with ES residues.     

Suppression of the root rot–root knot disease complex by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in tomato: The influence of inoculum density,nematode populations,moisture and other plant-associated bacteria

The influence of different application rates of the plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, population densities of the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica, moisture and other plant-associated bacteria in the suppression of root rot–root knot disease complex of tomato are described. The impact of these factors on bacterial rhizosphere and inner root and shoot establishment are also presented. The highest inoculum level of P. aeruginosa (7.4 × 10⁸ cfu ml^–1) in the presence of the lowest population density of M. javanica (500 J2/plant) caused the greatest reduction in gall formation due to M. javanica. The number of root–knot nematodes recovered from soil and roots treated with P. aeruginosa were also significantly reduced. Root infection caused by the soilborne root-infecting fungi Fusarium oxysporum, F. solani and Rhizoctonia solani was also effectively suppressed following application of P. aeruginosa. A P. aeruginosa-Bacillus subtilis treatment was the most effective in the suppression of root-rot disease complex with enhancement of plant growth. Biocontrol and growth promoting potential of the bacterium was enhanced when soil was kept at 50% or 75% moisture holding capacity, whereas a 25% MHC reduced bacterial efficacy. Rhizosphere population of P. aeruginosa declined drastically in P. aeruginosa-Bradyrhizobium japonicum treatments. Rhizosphere colonisation by P. aeruginosa seems to be governed by two factors: Initial inoculum size of the bacterium and severity of the root-knot disease. Endoroot and endoshoot colonisation of the bacterium was dependent on degree of root-colonisation by Fusarium oxysporum. An inoculum level 2.5 × 10⁸ cfu/ml of P. aeruginosa was optimal for the enhancement of plant growth, whereas inoculum below this level reduced plant growth.     

三七皂苷类自毒物质降解细菌分离及其降解特性

三七是我国的名贵药材,但由于连作障碍发生严重,因此土壤中自毒物质的积累成为导致三七连作障碍发生的主要原因之一。生物降解土壤中的自毒物质是缓解连作障碍的有效措施,为筛选并利用降解菌使土壤中皂苷类自毒物质快速消减,该研究以皂苷类自毒物质为筛选靶标,采用富集和驯化策略,从连作三七根际土壤中分离、筛选三七皂苷类自毒物质降解细菌,结合16S rRNA基因测序对高活性菌株进行分类鉴定,并对筛选得到的高活性菌株SC3的降解特性进行了研究。结果表明:(1)从三七根际土壤中成功分离出8株潜在自毒物质降解细菌,初筛评价结果显示SC3菌株对三七总皂苷的降解率最高,达87.42%。(2)通过16S rRNA基因序列分析,编号SC3的高活性菌株被鉴定为寡养单胞菌属(Stenotrophomonas)细菌。(3)在相同培养条件下,菌株SC3对单体皂苷Rb₁的降解效果强于对Rg₁的降解。(4)在液体培养条件下,底物浓度、接种量和培养温度均会显著影响SC3菌株对单体皂苷Rb₁的降解效果。综上表明,采用富集和驯化策略可以有效筛选自毒物质降解细菌,SC3菌株具有消除连作土壤中皂苷类自毒物质的潜力。该研究结果为连作土壤修复提供了生物资源,并为今后深入研究皂苷降解机制提供了理论依据。     

The effect of incubation conditions on the laboratory measurement of the methane producing capacity of livestock wastes

The effects of incubations conditions (dilution, mixing, incubation time and inoculum amount and origin) on the determination of the maximum methane producing capacity (B(0)) from various livestock slurries were evaluated. For this purpose, the methane yields of different livestock slurries were determined using batch anaerobic incubations performed at 30 degrees C as regard these different conditions. The B(0) and the methane (CH(4)) generation as a function of time were used to study the processes and to determine the best incubation conditions. Methanogenesis was identified as the major rate-limiting step during the anaerobic degradation of slurries, probably due to inhibition by volatile fatty acids. In some cases, high free NH(3) concentrations were suspected to inhibit the hydrolysis process. The addition of inoculum and/or the dilution of the substrate reduced the inhibition and allowed to reach the B(0) more rapidly. However, the addition of inoculum must be minimized to reduce the possible errors made by considering a similar production by the inoculum with and without the substrate. All experiments performed during this study allowed to define the incubation conditions required for the determination of the B(0) from livestock slurries. Applying these conditions, the B(0) values determined for swine slurries varied from 244 to 343L CH(4)kg V(added)(-1), from 204 to 296L CH(4)kg V(added)(-1) for dairy cattle slurries and equalled 386 and 319L CH(4)kg VS(added)(-1) respectively for calves and duck slurries.     

Isolation and Characterization of Phenol-catabolizing Bacteria from a Coking Plant

New phenol degrading bacteria with high biodegradation activity and high tolerance were isolated as Burkholderia cepacia PW3 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa AT2. Both isolates could grow aerobically on phenol as a sole carbon source even at 3 g/l. The whole-cell kinetic properties for phenol degradation by strains PW3 and AT2 showed a V_max of 0.321 and 0.253 mg/l/min/(mg protein), respectively. The metabolic pathways for phenol biodegradation in both strains were assigned to the meta-cleavage activity of catechol 2,3-dioxygenase.