Advanced search
Start date
Betweenand
Related content
(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Anaerobic benzene degradation under denitrifying conditions: Peptococcaceae as dominant benzene degraders and evidence for a syntrophic process

Full text
Author(s):
van der Zaan, Bas M. [1] ; Saia, Flavia Talarico [2, 3] ; Stams, Alfons J. M. [2] ; Plugge, Caroline M. [2] ; de Vos, Willem M. [2] ; Smidt, Hauke [2] ; Langenhoff, Alette A. M. [1] ; Gerritse, Jan [1]
Total Authors: 8
Affiliation:
[1] Deltares, NL-3584 CB Utrecht - Netherlands
[2] Wageningen Univ, Microbiol Lab, NL-6703 HB Wageningen - Netherlands
[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Hydraul & Sanitat, Engn Sch Sao Carlos, BR-13566590 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY; v. 14, n. 5, p. 1171-1181, MAY 2012.
Web of Science Citations: 47
Abstract

An anaerobic microbial community was enriched in a chemostat that was operated for more than 8 years with benzene and nitrate as electron acceptor. The coexistence of multiple species in the chemostat and the presence of a biofilm, led to the hypothesis that benzene-degrading species coexist in a syntrophic interaction, and that benzene can be degraded in syntrophy by consortia with various electron acceptors in the same culture. The benzene-degrading microorganisms were identified by DNA-stable isotope probing with {[}U-13C]-labelled benzene, and the effect of different electron donors and acceptors on benzene degradation was investigated. The degradation rate constant of benzene with nitrate (0.7 day-1) was higher than reported previously. In the absence of nitrate, the microbial community was able to use sulfate, chlorate or ferric iron as electron acceptor. Bacteria belonging to the Peptococcaceae were identified as dominant benzene consumers, but also those related to Rhodocyclaceae and Burkholderiaceae were found to be associated with the anaerobic benzene degradation process. The benzene degradation activity in the chemostat was associated with microbial growth in biofilms. This, together with the inhibiting effect of hydrogen and the ability to degrade benzene with different electron acceptors, suggests that benzene was degraded via a syntrophic process. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 06/01997-5 - 13C and stable-isotope probing utilization for identification of intermediate metabolites and functionally active microorganisms in biodegradation of benzene under sulfate and nitrate reduction
Grantee:Flávia Talarico Saia
Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - New Frontiers