Rapid Benzene Degradation in Methanogenic Sediments from a Petroleum-Contaminated Aquifer
In methanogenic sediments from a petroleum-contaminated aquifer, [14C]benzene was converted to 14CH4 and 14CO2 without an apparent lag. Phenol, acetate, and propionate were intermediates in benzene mineralization. These results suggest that alternative electron acceptors need not be available for there to be significant natural attenuation of benzene in some petroleum-contaminated aquifers.
Weiner
JM
Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003.
Lovley
DR