Optimizing biodegradation of phenanthrene dissolved in nonaqueous-phase liquids. Birman, I.; Alexander, M. Laboratory Soil Microbiology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology (1996), 45(1-2), 267-72. Publisher: Springer, CODEN: AMBIDG ISSN: 0175-7598. Journal written in English. CAN 124:324483 AN 1996:204901 CAPLUS (Copyright (C) 2007 ACS on SciFinder (R))

Abstract

A study was conducted to optimize the biodegrdn. in soil slurries of phenanthrene initially dissolved in nonaq.-phase liqs. (NAPLs). The slow rate of degrdn. of phenanthrene in di-Bu phthalate was increased by addn. of phenanthrene-degrading microorganism (aerobic bacteria P5-2 and P3) to soil slurries contg. the NAPL. The rate was further increased and the acclimation phase was shortened if the inoculum was grown in a medium contg. the hydrocarbon and the phthalate before addn. to the slurries. Compn. 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 di-Bu phthalate. 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 addn. of an inoculum 24 h after introduction of a nonionic surfactant enhanced biodegrdn. of phenanthrene initially in 150 Bright stock oil and di-Bu phthalate. The results suggest improved means for the bioremediation of sites contaminated with NAPLs.