title: Biodegradation of dimethylterephthalate by Comamonas acidovorans D-4.
abstract: Comamonas acidovorans D-4, capable of utilizing dimethylterephthalate (DMT) as the sole carbon source, was isolated from the activated sludge of petrochemical wastewater treatment plant. Almost complete utilization of as high as 0.5% (w/v) DMT was observed in 72 hr. Growth kinetics followed a parallel relation between the growth, DMT utilization and cell associated esterase activity. A cell free broth of DMT grown cells showed an extracellular esterase activity. During the DMT degradation an extracellular accumulation of terephthalic acid was found. Although, C. acidovorans grew on a number of phthalate esters and phthalic acids as the sole carbon source, growth was significantly high on phthalic acids. The potential of this organism in petrochemical pollution abatement is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology Centre, Faculty of Science, M. S. University of Baroda, India.
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Desai
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Desai
mesh_terms: D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D016946:Gram-Negative Aerobic Rods and Cocci / Q000378:metabolism*; D010795:Phthalic Acids / Q000378:metabolism*; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D010795:Phthalic Acids; D012989:Soil Pollutants; C004782:dimethyl 4-phthalate