title: Biodegradability of [14C]methylcellulose by activated sludge.
abstract: Three Methocel methylcellulose ethers of 1.9 degree of substitution with [14C]methyl labels were shown to be biodegradable using batch-type activated sludge tests. The maximum rate for conversion to 14CO2, attained after 1 week, was only 0.62 mg of methylcellulose/g of mixed liquor volatile solids per day. In 20 days, 55 to 73% of the radioactivity had been removed from solution as 14CO2, and the suspended solids contained 12 to 15% of the original radioactivity. Only 4% of the original methylcellulose appeared to be polymeric after the 20-day period. Thin-layer chromatography of supernatant liquid indicated at least two degradation products.
mesh_terms: D001419:Bacteria / Q000378:metabolism*; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000096:biosynthesis; D002250:Carbon Radioisotopes; D008747:Methylcellulose / Q000378:metabolism*; D012722:Sewage; D014871:Water Microbiology
chemical_list: D002250:Carbon Radioisotopes; D012722:Sewage; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D008747:Methylcellulose