Anaerobic Benzene Degradation in Petroleum-Contaminated Aquifer Sediments after Inoculation with a Benzene-Oxidizing Enrichment |
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| Authors: | Jonathan M. Weiner and Derek R. Lovley |
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| Abstract: | Sediments from the sulfate-reduction zone of a petroleum-contaminated aquifer, in which benzene persisted, were inoculated with a benzene-oxidizing, sulfate-reducing enrichment from aquatic sediments. Benzene was degraded, with apparent growth of the benzene-degrading population over time. These results suggest that the lack of benzene degradation in the sulfate-reduction zones of some aquifers may result from the failure of the appropriate benzene-degrading sulfate reducers to colonize the aquifers rather than from environmental conditions that are adverse for anaerobic benzene degradation. |
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