ISSN:
1572-9729
Keywords:
biodegradation
;
bioremediation
;
acclimation
;
Everglades
;
mineralization
;
nitrophenol
;
soil
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
,
Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
Notes:
Abstract The Everglades in South Florida are a unique ecologicalsystem. As a result of the widespread use of pesticides andherbicides in agricultural areas upstream from these wetlands,there is a serious potential for pollution problems in theEverglades. The purpose of this study was to evaluate theability of indigenous microbial populations to degradexenobiotic organic compounds introduced by agricultural andother activities. Such biodegradation may facilitate theremediation of contaminated soils and water in the Everglades.The model compound selected in this study is 4-nitrophenol, achemical commonly used in the manufacture of pesticides. Themineralization of 4-nitrophenol at various concentrations wasstudied in soils collected from the Everglades. Atconcentrations of 10 and 100 µg/g soil, considerablemineralization occurred within a week. At a higherconcentration, i.e., 10 mg/g soil, however, no mineralizationof 4-nitrophenol occurred over a 4-month period; such a highconcentration apparently produced an inhibitory effect. Therate and extent of 4-nitrophenol mineralization was enhancedon inoculation with previously isolated nitrophenol-degradingmicroorganisms. The maximum mineralization extent measured,however, was less than 30% suggesting conversion to biomassand/or unidentified intermediate products. These resultsindicate the potential for natural mechanisms to mitigate theadverse effects of xenobiotic pollutants in a complex systemsuch as the Everglades.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1008285717595
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