Article Abstract:
The Pseudomonas sp. strain SC25A degrades the alcohol ethoxylate (PEG) nonionic surfactant, monoethylene glycol dodecyl ether (MEGDE), by cleaving the dodecyl-ether bond to form dodecanol. Dodecanol is further degraded to form dodecanal and then dodecanoic acid. The dodecanoic acid is used as a substrate in the main metabolic pathways to form CO2. The biodegradation process involves omega-oxidation. The cleavage products of MEGDE are easily assimilated by the bacteria. However, the cleavage of higher ethoxamers produces a PEG fragment containing the ether, needing further degradation.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
The Biolog microtitre plate assay accurately identifies the bacteria which are capable of degrading sulfated and sulphonated anionic surfactants. The method estimates the reduction of the tetrazolium dye to determine the sole-carbon-source usage by the bacteria. Application of the method to pure and mixed cultures provides reproducible results without any false-positives. The bacterial cultures are tested directly without the need of intermediate growth of the culture. The bacteria identified are primary and final degraders of the surfactants.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
Substances containing the ether linkage are somewhat resistant to biodegradation but are still degraded by microorganisms. Studies of microbial degradation of ether linkages has shown eight systems used by microorganisms: oxygenases, cytochromes P-450, hydroxyl shift, hydrolysis, anaerobic cleavage of methyl-aryl ethers, oxidative mechanisms, reductive mechanisms and carbon-oxygen lyases.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic: