Use of a 3H-labeled substrate to measure microbial biodegradation in marine waters

摘要: Abstract A method is described in which a high specific activity (SA) 3 H-labeled substrate was used to measure microbial biodeegradation of p -cresol coastal marine waters. [2,6- H] with SA 11 Ci mmol −1 added waters collected off Souther California. After short incubations 12 h, subsamples were filtered collect bacterial cells, respired H 2 O and biodegradation intermediates collected, residual isolated using C 18 solid phase extraction columns. Activity each these fractions calculate kinetics. Filter effects, adsoption, efficiency determined formalin treated abiotic controls. The has broad applicability since substrates are commercially available about three orders magnitude greater than for 14 C-labeled compounds, the can detect rates at extremely low levels target organics. Also, methods allows use smaller sample volumes and, as result, amounts radioactive waste produced. In environments where contamination present its concentration be determined, isotopic dilution calculated radioactivity related total contaminant concentration. assessing kinetics (and other phenols) areas contamination.