Aerobic transformation of short-chain alkylphenol polyethoxylates by mixed bacterial cultures

摘要: Various aerobic mixed bacterial cultures, isolated from wastewater, river water, and a forest soil, were applied for the biotransformation of short-chain alkylphenol polyethoxylates (APnEO; nEO=1–3) using shake culture technique. Almost complete transformation both nonylphenol-and octylphenol polyethoxylate mixtures, added to synthetic sewage at total concentrations in range 0.5–2.5 mg/L, was achieved within 6–23 days. The duration adaptation period (lag phase) rate exponential phase varied significantly, depending on origin structural characteristics APnEO molecules (number EO groups per molecule size alkyl chain). Experiments conducted mineral medium showed that can be transformed even if they represented only source organic carbon, though significantly lower than sewage. Autochthonous cultures originating polluted secondary effluent also able transform APnEO, being strongly dependent temperature. analyses end revealed significant presence alkylphenoxy carboxylic acids which accounted up 90% originally growth-media. This suggested carboxylation terminal alcohol group most important process involved.