Biodegradation of methyl and ethyl acetates by immobilized Pseudomonas esterophilus cells

A biofilter based on polyvinylformal foam and Pseudomonas esterophilus strain VKM V-1436D cells, which utilize methyl and ethyl acetates as sources of carbon and energy, was created. A complete conversion of methyl and ethyl acetate (2000 mg/l) under flow conditions was reached. Because carboxyl esterase does not exhibit specificity for these esters, no adaptation period was required for switching the biofilter between biodegradation of methyl acetate and ethyl acetate.