| Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous chemicals, released into the environment from natural and anthropogenic sources, and their mutagenic, carcinogenic and/or teratogenic properties have motivated numerous studies on methods for treating contaminated soil and water. Biological treatment methods have been shown to be effective at degrading PAHs, and a review of remediation systems reveals that the highest PAH degradation rates reported in the literature have been achieved using two-liquid phase partitioning bioreactors (TPPBs).; In this study, PAH degradation by Mycobacterium PYR-1 in a TPPB was examined. In a TPPB, an organic solvent is selected based on many factors, including biocompatibility, boiling point, capacity for the toxin(s), availability and cost, and is loaded with the pollutants to be degraded.; After an evaluation of potential solvents, and in contrast to all previous TPPB research, a bioavailable solvent, bis(ethylhexyl) sebacate (BES), was selected as the organic phase.; This interfacial uptake mechanism prompted an examination of the behaviour of Mycobacterium PYR-1 cells in the TPPB system. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
