title: Microbial activity during composting of anthracene-contaminated soil.
abstract: Microbial activity of an anthracene-spiked soil mixed with kitchen waste during laboratory composting at 56-59 degrees C was studied using an in-vessel technology. The effect of old compost containing acclimated microorganisms on the composting efficiency was also investigated. Microbial succession, microbial enzyme activity, microbial diversity and anthracene removal rate were analyzed during 42 days of composting. The results demonstrated that inoculating with old compost increased the amounts of thermophilic microorganisms, but did not significantly increase anthracene removal. A microbial succession from mesophilic bacteria to thermophilic bacteria and thermophilic actinomycetes was observed during composting. Polyphenol oxidase activity decreased while catalase activity varied irregularly. Microbial diversity increased drastically when temperature elevated from 35 to 56 degrees C, but decreased when temperature maintained at 56-59 degrees C.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, Institute for Natural Resources and Environmental Management, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Ma
authors.forename: J Y
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Wong
mesh_terms: D000873:Anthracenes / Q000378:metabolism*; D001419:Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000378:metabolism; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000032:analysis; D002374:Catalase / Q000378:metabolism; D004156:Catechol Oxidase / Q000378:metabolism; D005658:Fungi / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000378:metabolism; D012037:Refuse Disposal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D012988:Soil Microbiology; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000378:metabolism*; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D000873:Anthracenes; D012989:Soil Pollutants; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D004156:Catechol Oxidase; D002374:Catalase; C034020:anthracene