MTBE and benzene biodegration by a bacterial isolate via two independent monooxygenase-initiated pathways

Mixtures of benzene and MTBE were readily degraded and substrate interactions in mixtures of these two compounds were distinctive. When MTBE-grown cells were exposed to a mixture of MTBE and benzene, each present at a concentration of 20 mg/L, the degradation of MTBE proceeded until benzene started to degrade. Following a lag phase, benzene degradation proceeded rapidly. At this point, the rate of MTBE degradation slowed significantly until all of the benzene was degraded. The rate of MTBE degradation then increased to previous levels. Succinate-grown cells did not consume oxygen with benzene or its major metabolic intermediates confirming that benzene degradation by PM1 is not constitutive. Benzene-grown cells did not consume oxygen with MTBE or its metabolic intermediates confirming that the MTBE and benzene degradation pathways are independent. MTBE-grown cells exhibited high oxygen uptake rates with TBF, TBA, 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid, 2-propanol, and hydroxyacetone.

MTBE and benzene biodegration by a bacterial isolate via two independent monooxygenase-initiated pathways Conference Paper