Effect of copper on the degradation of phenanthrene by soil micro-organisms.
OBJECTIVE
The effect of copper on the degradation by soil micro-organisms of phenanthrene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, was investigated.


RESULTS
Inert nylon filters were incubated in the soil for 28 days at 25 degrees C. Each filter was inoculated with a soil suspension, phenanthrene (400 ppm), copper (0, 70, 700 or 7000 ppm) and nitrogen/phosphorus sources. The filters were assessed for phenanthrene degradation, microbial respiration and colonization. Phenanthrene degradation proceeded even at toxic copper levels (700/7000 ppm), indicating the presence of phenanthrene-degrading, copper-resistant and/or -tolerant microbes. However, copper at these high levels reduced microbial activity (CO2 evolution).


CONCLUSIONS
High levels of copper caused an incomplete mineralization of phenanthrene and possible accumulation of its metabolites.


CONCLUSIONS
The presence of heavy metals in soils could seriously affect the bioremediation of PAH-polluted environments.
Sokhn
J
J
School of Biomedical and Life Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.
De Leij
F A
FA
Hart
T D
TD
Lynch
J M
JM
D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental / Q000187:drug effects; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000378:metabolism; D003300:Copper / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005658:Fungi / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D007700:Kinetics; D008903:Minerals / Q000378:metabolism; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000494:pharmacology; D010616:Phenanthrenes / Q000378:metabolism*; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000494:pharmacology; D012988:Soil Microbiology; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000378:metabolism*
D008903:Minerals; D010616:Phenanthrenes; D012989:Soil Pollutants; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D010758:Phosphorus; D003300:Copper; D009584:Nitrogen