title: Biodegradation of p-toluenesulphonamide by a Pseudomonas sp.
abstract: A bacterium capable of utilising p-toluenesulphonamide was isolated from activated sludge. The isolated strain designated PTSA was identified as a Pseudomonas sp. using chemotaxonomic and genetic studies. Pseudomonas PTSA grew on p-toluenesulphonamide in a chemostat with approximately 90% release of sulphate and 80% release of ammonium. The isolate was also able to grow on 4-carboxybenzenesulphonamide and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate but did not grow on p-toluenesulphonate. The transient appearance of 4-hydroxymethylbenzenesulphonamide and 4-carboxybenzenesulphonamide during p-toluenesulphonamide degradation proves oxidation of the methyl group is the initial attack in the biodegradation pathway. Both metabolites of p-toluenesulphonamide degradation were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. 4-Carboxybenzenesulphonamide is probably converted into 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate and amidosulphurous acid. The latter is a chemically unstable compound in aqueous solutions and immediately converted into sulphite and ammonium. Both sulphite and ammonium were formed during degradation of 4-carboxybenzenesulphonamide.
authors.affiliation: Akzo Nobel Chemicals Research Arnhem, Velperweg 76, 6824 BM, Arnhem, The Netherlands. annemiek.vanhaperen@akzonobel.com
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: van Haperen
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: van Velde
authors.forename: C G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: van Ginkel
mesh_terms: D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D003470:Culture Media; D011549:Pseudomonas / Q000145:classification / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000378:metabolism*; D012722:Sewage / Q000382:microbiology; D013449:Sulfonamides / Q000378:metabolism*; D014050:Toluene / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000378:metabolism*; D000096926:Benzenesulfonamides
chemical_list: D003470:Culture Media; D012722:Sewage; D013449:Sulfonamides; D014050:Toluene; C025417:4-toluenesulfonamide; D000096926:Benzenesulfonamides