Optimization of conditions for biodegradation of phthalate by bacteria isolated from the marine environment

• Grant number: 17/10720-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2017
• End date: July 31, 2019
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Applied Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: Elen Aquino Perpetuo
• Grantee: Esther Cecilia Nunes da Silva
• Host Institution: Instituto de Saúde e Sociedade (ISS). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus Baixada Santista. Santos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Phthalates are a class of compounds derived from phthalic acid, widely used as plasticizers in the industry of many products due to their chemical properties that confer flexibility and durability. They can be found in plastics, building materials, lubricants, solvents, insect repellents, clothing, cosmetics, etc. They are, however, suspected of being carcinogenic and responsible for endocrine disruptions. There are some reports in the literature of marine organisms also affected by these compounds, and the use of these compounds is extremely worrying for both human health and the environment. It is thus important to search for environmental decontamination methods for phthalates. Some studies about bioremediation of phthalates have already been carried out, and although little is known about the degradation capacity of phthalates by marine bacteria, this method has shown to be very promising for the remediation of these compounds. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

PERPETUO, ELEN AQUINO; DA SILVA, ESTHER CECILIA NUNES; KAROLSKI, BRUNO; DO NASCIMENTO, CLAUDIO AUGUSTO OLLER. Biodegradation of diethyl-phthalate (DEP) by halotolerant bacteria isolated from an estuarine environment. BIODEGRADATION, v. 31, n. 4-6, p. 331-340, DEC 2020. (17/10720-1)