Oxidation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons under Sulfate-Reducing Conditions.

TitleOxidation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons under Sulfate-Reducing Conditions.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1996
AuthorsCoates JD, Anderson RT, Lovley DR
JournalAppl Environ Microbiol
Volume62
Issue3
Pagination1099-101
Date Published1996 Mar
ISSN0099-2240
Abstract

[(sup14)C]naphthalene and phenanthrene were oxidized to (sup14)CO(inf2) without a detectable lag under strict anaerobic conditions in sediments from San Diego Bay, San Diego, Calif., that were heavily contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) but not in less contaminated sediments. Sulfate reduction was necessary for PAH oxidation. These results suggest that the self-purification capacity of PAH-contaminated sulfate-reducing environments may be greater than previously recognized.

Alternate JournalAppl. Environ. Microbiol.
PubMed ID16535261