Benzene is a carcinogenic hydrocarbon and a widespread groundwater contaminant. Microbial mineralization of benzene is possible, but the process is slow and not well understood under the anaerobic conditions that are often prevalent at contaminated sites. The goals of this study were to gain a better understanding of key organisms, genes and metabolic pathways associated with benzene degradation in methanogenic enrichment cultures. (Abstract shortened by UMI.). |