Evidence for aromatic ring reduction in the biodegradation pathwayof carboxylated naphthalene by a sulfate reducing consortium

Naphthalene was used as a model compound in order to study the anaerobic pathway of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon degradation. Previously we had determined that carboxylation is an initial step for anaerobic metabolism of naphthalene, but no other intermediate metabolites were identified (Zhang & Young 1997). In the present study we further elucidate the pathway with the identification of six novel naphthalene metabolites detected when cultures were fed naphthalene in the presence of its analog 1-fluoronaphthalene. Results from cultures supplemented with either deuterated naphthalene or non-deuterated naphthalene plus [¹³C]bicarbonate confirm that the metabolites originated from naphthalene. Three of these metabolites were identified by comparison with the following standards: 2-naphthoic acid (2-NA), 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-2-naphthoic acid, and decahydro-2-naphthoic acid. The presence of 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-2-NA as a metabolite of naphthalene degradation indicates that the first reduction reaction occurs at the unsubstituted ring, rather than the carboxylated ring. The overall results suggest that after the initial carboxylation of naphthalene, 2-NA is sequentially reduced to decahydro-2-naphthoic acid through 5 hydrogenation reactions, each of which eliminated one double bond. Incorporation of deuterium atoms from D₂O into 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-2-naphthoic acid suggests that water is the proton source for hydrogenation.     

Anaerobic degradation of 2-methylnaphthalene by a sulfate-reducing enrichment culture

Anaerobic degradation of 2-methylnaphthalene was investigated with a sulfate-reducing enrichment culture. Metabolite analyses revealed two groups of degradation products. The first group comprised two succinic acid adducts which were identified as naphthyl-2-methyl-succinic acid and naphthyl-2-methylene-succinic acid by comparison with chemically synthesized reference compounds. Naphthyl-2-methyl-succinic acid accumulated to 0.5 microM in culture supernatants. Production of naphthyl-2-methyl-succinic acid was analyzed in enzyme assays with dense cell suspensions. The conversion of 2-methylnaphthalene to naphthyl-2-methyl-succinic acid was detected at a specific activity of 0.020 +/- 0.003 nmol min(-1) mg of protein(-1) only in the presence of cells and fumarate. We conclude that under anaerobic conditions 2-methylnaphthalene is activated by fumarate addition to the methyl group, as is the case in anaerobic toluene degradation. The second group of metabolites comprised 2-naphthoic acid and reduced 2-naphthoic acid derivatives, including 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-2-naphthoic acid, octahydro-2-naphthoic acid, and decahydro-2-naphthoic acid. These compounds were also identified in an earlier study as products of anaerobic naphthalene degradation with the same enrichment culture. A pathway for anaerobic degradation of 2-methylnaphthalene analogous to that for anaerobic toluene degradation is proposed.     

Anaerobic Degradation of 2-Methylnaphthalene by a Sulfate-Reducing Enrichment Culture

Anaerobic degradation of 2-methylnaphthalene was investigated with a sulfate-reducing enrichment culture. Metabolite analyses revealed two groups of degradation products. The first group comprised two succinic acid adducts which were identified as naphthyl-2-methyl-succinic acid and naphthyl-2-methylene-succinic acid by comparison with chemically synthesized reference compounds. Naphthyl-2-methyl-succinic acid accumulated to 0.5 μM in culture supernatants. Production of naphthyl-2-methyl-succinic acid was analyzed in enzyme assays with dense cell suspensions. The conversion of 2-methylnaphthalene to naphthyl-2-methyl-succinic acid was detected at a specific activity of 0.020 ± 0.003 nmol min⁻¹ mg of protein⁻¹ only in the presence of cells and fumarate. We conclude that under anaerobic conditions 2-methylnaphthalene is activated by fumarate addition to the methyl group, as is the case in anaerobic toluene degradation. The second group of metabolites comprised 2-naphthoic acid and reduced 2-naphthoic acid derivatives, including 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-2-naphthoic acid, octahydro-2-naphthoic acid, and decahydro-2-naphthoic acid. These compounds were also identified in an earlier study as products of anaerobic naphthalene degradation with the same enrichment culture. A pathway for anaerobic degradation of 2-methylnaphthalene analogous to that for anaerobic toluene degradation is proposed.     

Biodegradation Kinetics of Phenanthrene by a Fusant Strain

The fusant strain (F14), which produced by protoplast fusion between Sphingomonas sp. GY2B (GenBank DQ139343) and Pseudomonas sp. GP3A (GenBank EU233280), was tested for phenanthrene biodegradation at 30 °C and pH of 7.0. The kinetics of phenanthrene biodegradation by F14 was investigated over a wide range of initial concentration (15-1,000 mg l(-1)). The rate and the extent of phenanthrene degradation increased with the increase of concentration up to 230 mg l(-1), which indicated negligible inhibition effect at low concentrations. The non-competitive inhibition model was found to be fit for the process. GC-MS analysis showed that biodegradation of phenanthrene by F14 was via dioxygenation at both 1,2- and 3,4-positions and followed by 2-hydroxy-1-naphthoic acid and 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid. The relative intensity of 2-hydroxy-1-naphthoic acid was approximately 3-4 times higher than that of 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid, indicating the 2-hydroxy-1-naphthoic acid was the predominant product in the phenanthrene degradation by fusant strain F14.     

Identical ring cleavage products during anaerobic degradation of naphthalene, 2-methylnaphthalene, and tetralin indicate a new metabolic pathway

Anaerobic degradation of naphthalene, 2-methylnaphthalene, and tetralin (1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene) was investigated with a sulfate-reducing enrichment culture obtained from a contaminated aquifer. Degradation studies with tetralin revealed 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-2-naphthoic acid as a major metabolite indicating activation by addition of a C(1) unit to tetralin, comparable to the formation of 2-naphthoic acid in anaerobic naphthalene degradation. The activation reaction was specific for the aromatic ring of tetralin; 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-2-naphthoic acid was not detected. The reduced 2-naphthoic acid derivatives tetrahydro-, octahydro-, and decahydro-2-naphthoic acid were identified consistently in supernatants of cultures grown with either naphthalene, 2-methylnaphthalene, or tetralin. In addition, two common ring cleavage products were identified. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high-resolution GC-MS analyses revealed a compound with a cyclohexane ring and two carboxylic acid side chains as one of the first ring cleavage products. The elemental composition was C(11)H(16)O(4) (C(11)H(16)O(4)-diacid), indicating that all carbon atoms of the precursor 2-naphthoic acid structure were preserved in this ring cleavage product. According to the mass spectrum, the side chains could be either an acetic acid and a propenic acid, or a carboxy group and a butenic acid side chain. A further ring cleavage product was identified as 2-carboxycyclohexylacetic acid and was assumed to be formed by beta-oxidation of one of the side chains of the C(11)H(16)O(4)-diacid. Stable isotope-labeling growth experiments with either (13)C-labeled naphthalene, per-deuterated naphthalene-d(8), or a (13)C-bicarbonate-buffered medium showed that the ring cleavage products derived from the introduced carbon source naphthalene. The series of identified metabolites suggests that anaerobic degradation of naphthalenes proceeds via reduction of the aromatic ring system of 2-naphthoic acid to initiate ring cleavage in analogy to the benzoyl-coenzyme A pathway for monoaromatic hydrocarbons. Our findings provide strong indications that further degradation goes through saturated compounds with a cyclohexane ring structure and not through monoaromatic compounds. A metabolic pathway for anaerobic degradation of bicyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with 2-naphthoic acid as the central intermediate is proposed.     

Anaerobic naphthalene degradation by a sulfate-reducing enrichment culture

Anaerobic naphthalene degradation by a sulfate-reducing enrichment culture was studied by substrate utilization tests and identification of metabolites by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In substrate utilization tests, the culture was able to oxidize naphthalene, 2-methylnaphthalene, 1- and 2-naphthoic acids, phenylacetic acid, benzoic acid, cyclohexanecarboxylic acid, and cyclohex-1-ene-carboxylic acid with sulfate as the electron acceptor. Neither hydroxylated 1- or 2-naphthoic acid derivatives and 1- or 2-naphthol nor the monoaromatic compounds ortho-phthalic acid, 2-carboxy-1-phenylacetic acid, and salicylic acid were utilized by the culture within 100 days. 2-Naphthoic acid accumulated in all naphthalene-grown cultures. Reduced 2-naphthoic acid derivatives could be identified by comparison of mass spectra and coelution with commercial reference compounds such as 1,2,3, 4-tetrahydro-2-naphthoic acid and chemically synthesized decahydro-2-naphthoic acid. 5,6,7,8-Tetrahydro-2-naphthoic acid and octahydro-2-naphthoic acid were tentatively identified by their mass spectra. The metabolites identified suggest a stepwise reduction of the aromatic ring system before ring cleavage. In degradation experiments with [1-(13)C]naphthalene or deuterated D(8)-naphthalene, all metabolites mentioned derived from the introduced labeled naphthalene. When a [(13)C]bicarbonate-buffered growth medium was used in conjunction with unlabeled naphthalene, (13)C incorporation into the carboxylic group of 2-naphthoic acid was shown, indicating that activation of naphthalene by carboxylation was the initial degradation step. No ring fission products were identified.     

Identical Ring Cleavage Products during Anaerobic Degradation of Naphthalene, 2-Methylnaphthalene, and Tetralin Indicate a New Metabolic Pathway

Anaerobic degradation of naphthalene, 2-methylnaphthalene, and tetralin (1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene) was investigated with a sulfate-reducing enrichment culture obtained from a contaminated aquifer. Degradation studies with tetralin revealed 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-2-naphthoic acid as a major metabolite indicating activation by addition of a C₁ unit to tetralin, comparable to the formation of 2-naphthoic acid in anaerobic naphthalene degradation. The activation reaction was specific for the aromatic ring of tetralin; 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-2-naphthoic acid was not detected. The reduced 2-naphthoic acid derivatives tetrahydro-, octahydro-, and decahydro-2-naphthoic acid were identified consistently in supernatants of cultures grown with either naphthalene, 2-methylnaphthalene, or tetralin. In addition, two common ring cleavage products were identified. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high-resolution GC-MS analyses revealed a compound with a cyclohexane ring and two carboxylic acid side chains as one of the first ring cleavage products. The elemental composition was C₁₁H₁₆O₄ (C₁₁H₁₆O₄-diacid), indicating that all carbon atoms of the precursor 2-naphthoic acid structure were preserved in this ring cleavage product. According to the mass spectrum, the side chains could be either an acetic acid and a propenic acid, or a carboxy group and a butenic acid side chain. A further ring cleavage product was identified as 2-carboxycyclohexylacetic acid and was assumed to be formed by β-oxidation of one of the side chains of the C₁₁H₁₆O₄-diacid. Stable isotope-labeling growth experiments with either ¹³C-labeled naphthalene, per-deuterated naphthalene-d₈, or a ¹³C-bicarbonate-buffered medium showed that the ring cleavage products derived from the introduced carbon source naphthalene. The series of identified metabolites suggests that anaerobic degradation of naphthalenes proceeds via reduction of the aromatic ring system of 2-naphthoic acid to initiate ring cleavage in analogy to the benzoyl-coenzyme A pathway for monoaromatic hydrocarbons. Our findings provide strong indications that further degradation goes through saturated compounds with a cyclohexane ring structure and not through monoaromatic compounds. A metabolic pathway for anaerobic degradation of bicyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with 2-naphthoic acid as the central intermediate is proposed.     

Anaerobic Naphthalene Degradation by a Sulfate-Reducing Enrichment Culture

Anaerobic naphthalene degradation by a sulfate-reducing enrichment culture was studied by substrate utilization tests and identification of metabolites by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In substrate utilization tests, the culture was able to oxidize naphthalene, 2-methylnaphthalene, 1- and 2-naphthoic acids, phenylacetic acid, benzoic acid, cyclohexanecarboxylic acid, and cyclohex-1-ene-carboxylic acid with sulfate as the electron acceptor. Neither hydroxylated 1- or 2-naphthoic acid derivatives and 1- or 2-naphthol nor the monoaromatic compounds ortho-phthalic acid, 2-carboxy-1-phenylacetic acid, and salicylic acid were utilized by the culture within 100 days. 2-Naphthoic acid accumulated in all naphthalene-grown cultures. Reduced 2-naphthoic acid derivatives could be identified by comparison of mass spectra and coelution with commercial reference compounds such as 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-2-naphthoic acid and chemically synthesized decahydro-2-naphthoic acid. 5,6,7,8-Tetrahydro-2-naphthoic acid and octahydro-2-naphthoic acid were tentatively identified by their mass spectra. The metabolites identified suggest a stepwise reduction of the aromatic ring system before ring cleavage. In degradation experiments with [1-¹³C]naphthalene or deuterated D₈-naphthalene, all metabolites mentioned derived from the introduced labeled naphthalene. When a [¹³C]bicarbonate-buffered growth medium was used in conjunction with unlabeled naphthalene, ¹³C incorporation into the carboxylic group of 2-naphthoic acid was shown, indicating that activation of naphthalene by carboxylation was the initial degradation step. No ring fission products were identified.     

The use of a solid adsorber resin for enrichment of bacteria with toxic substrates and to identify metabolites: degradation of naphthalene, O-, and m-xylene by sulfate-reducing bacteria

Anaerobic sulfate-reducing bacteria were enriched from contaminated aquifer samples with naphthalene, o-, and m-xylene as sole carbon and energy source in the presence of Amberlite-XAD7, a solid adsorber resin. XAD7 served as a substrate reservoir maintaining a constantly low substrate concentration in the culture medium. In equilibration experiments with XAD7, the aromatic hydrocarbons needed up to 5 days to achieve equilibrium between the water and the XAD7 phase. The equilibrium concentration was directly correlated with the amount of added substrate and XAD7. In the enrichments presented here, XAD7 and aromatic hydrocarbons were adjusted to maintain substrate concentrations of 100 microM m-, or o-xylene, or 50 microM naphthalene. After five subsequent transfers, the three cultures were able to grow with higher substrate concentrations in the absence of XAD7 although they grew best with lower hydrocarbon concentrations. Two new xylene-degrading cultures were obtained that could not utilise toluene as carbon source. O-xylene was degraded anaerobically by a culture, which could also oxidise m-xylene but not p-xylene. Eighty-three percent of the electrons from o-xylene oxidation were recovered in the produced sulfide, indicating a complete oxidation to CO2. Another sulfate-reducing enrichment culture oxidised m-xylene completely to CO2 but not o-, or p-xylene. A naphthalene-degrading sulfate-reducing enrichment culture oxidised naphthalene completely to CO2. Metabolites of naphthalene degradation were recovered from the XAD7 phase and subjected to GC/MS analysis. Besides the metabolites 2-naphthoic acid and decahydro-2-naphthoic acid which were identified by the mass spectrum and coelution with chemically synthesised reference compounds, the reduced 2-naphthoic acid derivatives 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-2-naphthoic acid and octahydro-2-naphthoic acid were tentatively identified by their mass spectra. Cultivation of bacterial cultures in the presence of XAD7 and subsequent derivatisation and extraction of metabolites directly from the solid XAD7 resin provides a new method for the isolation of sensitive bacteria and identification of metabolites.     

Transformation of 1- and 2-methylnaphthalene by Cunninghamella elegans.

Cunninghamella elegans metabolized 1- and 2-methylnaphthalene primarily at the methyl group to form 1- and 2-hydroxymethylnaphthalene, respectively. Other compounds isolated and identified were 1- and 2-naphthoic acids, 5-hydroxy-1-naphthoic acid, 5-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid, 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid, and phenolic derivatives of 1- and 2-methylnaphthalene. The metabolites were isolated by thin-layer and reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography and characterized by the application of UV-visible absorption, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectral techniques. Experiments with [8-14C]2-methylnaphthalene indicated that over a 72-h period, 9.8% of 2-methylnaphthalene was oxidized to metabolic products. The ratio of organic-soluble in water-soluble metabolites at 2 h was 92:8, and at 72 h it was 41:59. Enzymatic treatment of the 48-h aqueous phase with either beta-glucuronidase or arylsulfatase released 60% of the metabolites of 2-methylnaphthalene that were extractable with ethyl acetate. In both cases, the major conjugates released were 5-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid and 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid. The ratio of the water-soluble glucuronide conjugates to sulfate conjugates was 1:1. Incubation of C. elegans with 2-methylnaphthalene under an 18O2 atmosphere and subsequent mass spectral analysis of 2-hydroxymethylnaphthalene indicated that hydroxylation of the methyl group is catalyzed by a monooxygenase.     

Methylation is the initial reaction in anaerobic naphthalene degradation by a sulfate-reducing enrichment culture

The sulfate-reducing culture N47 can utilize naphthalene or 2-methylnaphthalene as the sole carbon source and electron donor. Here we show that the initial reaction in the naphthalene degradation pathway is a methylation to 2-methylnaphthalene which then undergoes the subsequent oxidation to the central metabolite 2-naphthoic acid, ring reduction and cleavage. Specific metabolites occurring exclusively during anaerobic degradation of 2-methylnaphthalene were detected during growth on naphthalene, i.e. naphthyl-2-methyl-succinate and naphthyl-2-methylene-succinate. Additionally, all three enzymes involved in anaerobic degradation of 2-methylnaphthalene to 2-naphthoic acid that could be measured in vitro so far, i.e. naphthyl-2-methyl-succinate synthase, succinyl-CoA:naphthyl-2-methyl-succinate CoA-transferase and naphthyl-2-methyl-succinyl-CoA dehydrogenase were also detected in naphthalene-grown cells with similar activities. Induction experiments were performed to study the growth behaviour of the cell when transferred from naphthalene to 2-methylnaphthalene or vice versa. When the cells were transferred from naphthalene to 2-methylnaphthalene they grew immediately, indicating that no new enzymes had to be induced. On the contrary, the transfer of cells from 2-methylnaphthalene to naphthalene caused a lag-phase of almost 100 days demonstrating that an additional catabolic enzyme has to be activated in this case. We propose the methylation as a novel general mechanism of activation reactions in anaerobic degradation of unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbons.     

Identification of novel metabolites in the degradation of phenanthrene by Sphingomonas sp. strain P2

Sphingomonas sp. strain P2, which is capable of utilizing phenanthrene as a sole carbon and energy source, was isolated from petroleum-contaminated soil in Thailand. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and (1)H and (13)C nuclear magnetic resonance analyses revealed two novel metabolites from the phenanthrene degradation pathway. One was identified as 5,6-benzocoumarin, which was derived by dioxygenation at the 1- and 2-positions of phenanthrene, and the other was determined to be 1,5-dihydroxy-2-naphthoic acid. Other metabolites from phenanthrene degradation were identified as 7, 8-benzocoumarin, 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid and coumarin. From these results, it is suggested that strain P2 can degrade phenanthrene via dioxygenation at both 1,2- and 3,4-positions followed by meta-cleavage.     

Absence of microbial mineralization of lignin in anaerobic enrichment cultures

The existence of anaerobic biodegradation of lignin was examined in mixed microflora. Egyptian soil samples, in which rapid mineralization of organic matter takes place in the presence of an important anaerobic microflora, were used to obtain the anaerobic enrichment cultures for this study. Specifically, 14CO2 or [14C]lignin wood was used to investigate the release of labeled gaseous or soluble degradation products of lignin in microbial cultures. No conversion of 14C-labeled lignin to 14CO2 or 14CH4 was observed after 6 months of incubation at 30 degrees C in anaerobic conditions with or without NO3-. A small increase in soluble radioactivity was observed in certain cultures, but it could not be related to the release of catabolic products during the anaerobic biodegradation of lignin.     

Absence of microbial mineralization of lignin in anaerobic enrichment cultures.

The existence of anaerobic biodegradation of lignin was examined in mixed microflora. Egyptian soil samples, in which rapid mineralization of organic matter takes place in the presence of an important anaerobic microflora, were used to obtain the anaerobic enrichment cultures for this study. Specifically, 14CO2 or [14C]lignin wood was used to investigate the release of labeled gaseous or soluble degradation products of lignin in microbial cultures. No conversion of 14C-labeled lignin to 14CO2 or 14CH4 was observed after 6 months of incubation at 30 degrees C in anaerobic conditions with or without NO3-. A small increase in soluble radioactivity was observed in certain cultures, but it could not be related to the release of catabolic products during the anaerobic biodegradation of lignin.     

Detection and quantification of glucuro- and sulfoconjugated metabolites in human urine following oral administration of xenobiotic 19-norsteroids

Recently, the endogenous origin of nandrolone (19-nortestosterone) and other 19-norsteroids has been a focus of research in the field of drug testing in sport. In the present study, we investigated metabolites conjugated to a glucuronic acid and to a sulfuric acid in urine following administration of four xenobiotic 19-norsteroids. Adult male volunteers administered a single oral dose (10 mg) of each of four 19-norsteroids. Urinary samples collected from 0 to 120 h were subjected to methanolysis and beta-glucuronidase hydrolysis and were derivatized by N-methyl-N-trimethylsilyltrifluoroacetamide (MSTFA) before gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. We confirmed that 19-norandrosterone (19-NA) and 19-noretiocholanolone (19-NE) were present in both glucuronide (g) and sulfate (s) conjugates and 19-norepiandrosterone (19-NEA) was excreted exclusively as a sulfate fraction in urine of all 19-norsteroids tested. The overall levels of the three metabolites can be ranked as follows: 19-NA(g+s)>19-NE(g+s)>19-NEA(s). The concentration profiles of these three metabolites in urine peaked between 2 to 12h post-administration and declined thereafter until approximately 72-96 h. 19-NA was most prominent throughout the first 24 h post-administration, except for a case in which an inverse relationship was found after 6h post-administration of nandrolone. Furthermore, we found that sulfate conjugates were present in both 19-NA and 19-NE metabolites in urine of all 19-norsteroids tested. The averaged total amounts of metabolites (i.e. 19-NA(s+g)+19-NE(s+g)+19-NEA(s)) excreted in urine were 38.6, 42.9, 48.3 and 21.6% for nandrolone, 19-nor-4-androsten-3,17-dione, 19-nor-4-androsten-3beta,17beta-diol and 19-nor-5-androstene-3beta,17beta-diol, respectively. Results from the excretion studies demonstrate significance of sulfate-conjugated metabolites on interpretation of misuse of the 19-norsteroids.     

Evidence for the presence of endogenous 19-norandrosterone in human urine

In 1997, in the scope of antidoping control in sport, a not inconsiderable number of urine analysed by official laboratories revealed the presence of 19-nortestosterone (19-NT: 17β-hydroxyestr-4-en-3-one) metabolites: 19-norandrosterone (19-NA: 3α-hydroxy-5α-estran-17-one) and 19-noretiocholanolone (19-NE: 3α-hydroxy-5β-estran-17-one). These repeated results on a short period of time generated some investigations and especially the verification of the possible production of these metabolites by an unknown endogenous route in adult entire male. Some experiences were led on different persons known to be non-treated with steroids and more precisely with nandrolone. Extractive methods were developed focusing on their selectivity, i.e. searching to eliminate at best matrix interferences from the target analytes. Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (quadrupole and magnetic instruments) was used to detect, identify and quantify the suspected signals. Two types of derivatization (TMS and TBDMS), a semi-preparative HPLC as well as co-chromatography proved unambiguously the presence, in more than 50% of the analysed urine (n=40), of 19-NA at concentrations between 0.05 and 0.60 ng/ml. 19-NE was not detected with the developed methods (LOD<0.02 ng/ml). Experiments led on athletes showed that after a prolonged intense effort, the 19-NA concentration can be increased by a factor varying between 2 and 4. Even if some complementary researches have to be done in order to determine the maximal physiological level of 19-NA and 19-NE, these results should considerably change the strategy of antidoping laboratories.     

Characterization of metabolites during biodegradation of hexahydro-1, 3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) with municipal anaerobic sludge

The biodegradation of hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) in liquid cultures with municipal anaerobic sludge showed that at least two degradation routes were involved in the disappearance of the cyclic nitramine. In one route, RDX was reduced to give the familiar nitroso derivatives hexahydro-1-nitroso-3,5-dinitro-1,3, 5-triazine (MNX) and hexahydro-1,3-dinitroso-5-nitro-1,3,5-triazine (DNX). In the second route, two novel metabolites, methylenedinitramine [(O(2)NNH)(2)CH(2)] and bis(hydroxymethyl)nitramine [(HOCH(2))(2)NNO(2)], formed and were presumed to be ring cleavage products produced by enzymatic hydrolysis of the inner C---N bonds of RDX. None of the above metabolites accumulated in the system, and they disappeared to produce nitrous oxide (N(2)O) as a nitrogen-containing end product and formaldehyde (HCHO), methanol (MeOH), and formic acid (HCOOH) that in turn disappeared to produce CH(4) and CO(2) as carbon-containing end products.     

Review of MTBE Biodegradation and Bioremediation

Conclusive evidence of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) biotransformation and complete mineralization under aerobic conditions in environmental samples and enrichment cultures is reviewed, in addition to increasing evidence of MTBE biotransformation under anaerobic conditions. The metabolic pathway of MTBE appears to have two key intermediates, tert-butyl alcohol (TBA) and 2-hydroxy isobutyric acid (HIBA). The first enzyme in MTBE biodegradation has been identified as either a cytochrome P450 or a nonhemic monooxygenase in different isolates. Mixed and pure cultures of microorganisms have utilized MTBE as a sole carbon and energy source. Cometabolism of MTBE with n-alkanes at rates of 3.9 to 52 nmol/min/mg protein has been documented. The presence of co-contaminants such as BTEX has either not affected or seemed to limit MTBE biodegradation. Some studies of MTBE natural attenuation have attributed mass loss to biodegradation, while others have attributed mass loss to dilution and dispersion. Recent advances in the assessment of MTBE biodegradation have indicated the potential for natural anaerobic transformation of MTBE. In situ bioremediation of MTBE has been enhanced by adding air or oxygen, or by adding microorganisms and air or oxygen. Bioreactors have attained significant removal of MTBE from MTBE-contaminated influent. Despite historical concerns about the biodegradability of MTBE, several biological methods can now be used for MTBE remediation.     

Degradation of phenanthrene and anthracene by Nocardia otitidiscaviarum strain TSH1, a moderately thermophilic bacterium

Aims:  The metabolism of phenanthrene and anthracene by a moderate thermophilic Nocardia otitidiscaviarum strain TSH1 was examined.
Methods and Results:  When strain TSH1 was grown in the presence of anthracene, four metabolites were identified as 1,2-dihydroxy-1,2-dihydroanthracene, 3-(2-carboxyvinyl)naphthalene-2-carboxylic acid, 2,3-dihydroxynaphthalene and benzoic acid using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Degradation studies with phenanthrene revealed 2,2'-diphenic acid, phthalic acid, 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, o -hydroxyphenylacetic acid, benzoic acid, a phenanthrene dihydrodiol, 4-[1-hydroxy(2-naphthyl)]-2-oxobut-3-enoic acid and 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid (1H2NA), as detectable metabolites.
Conclusions:  Strain TSH1 initiates phenanthrene degradation via dioxygenation at the C-3 and C-4 or at C-9 and C-10 ring positions. Ortho -cleavage of the 9,10-diol leads to formation of 2,2'-diphenic acid. The 3,4-diol ring is cleaved to form 1H2NA which can subsequently be degraded through o -phthalic acid pathway. Benzoate does not fit in the previously published pathways from mesophiles. Anthracene metabolism seems to start with a dioxygenation at the 1 and 2 positions and ortho -cleavage of the resulting diol. The pathway proceeds probably through 2,3-dicarboxynaphthalene and 2,3-dihydroxynaphthalene. Degradation of 2,3-dihydroxynaphthalene to benzoate and transformation of the later to catechol is a possible route for the further degradation of anthracene.
Significance and Impact of the Study:  For the first time, metabolism of phenanthrene and anthracene in a thermophilic Nocardia strain was investigated.