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  • Toxicity and kinetic parameters of the aerobic biodegradation of the phenol and alkylphenols by a mixed culture.

Toxicity and kinetic parameters of the aerobic biodegradation of the phenol and alkylphenols by a mixed culture.

Biotechnology letters (2003-07-29)
M E Acuña-Argüelles, P Olguin-Lora, E Razo-Flores
ABSTRACT

A mixed culture aerobically metabolized phenol, cresol isomers (o-,m-,p-), 2-ethylphenol and xylenol isomers (2,5-DMP and 3,4-DMP) as the sole carbon and energy source. This culture had a high tolerance towards phenol with values of maximum degradation rate (Vmax) of 47 microM phenol mg-1 protein h-1 and inhibition substrate constant (Ki) of 10 mM. These kinetic parameters were considerably diminished and the toxicity increased with the alkylphenols. For example with 2,5-xylenol, Vmax and Ki values of 0.8 microM 2,5-xylenol mg-1 protein h-1 and 1.3 mM, respectively, were obtained. The cresols were 5-fold more toxic than phenol, whereas 2-ethylphenol and 3,4-xylenol were 11-fold more toxic, and 2,5-xylenol was 34-fold more toxic than phenol.

MATERIALS
Product Number
Brand
Product Description

Sigma-Aldrich
3,5-Dimethylphenol, ≥99%
Sigma-Aldrich
2,5-Xylenol, ≥99%, FG
Sigma-Aldrich
2,5-Dimethylphenol, ≥99%
Sigma-Aldrich
3,5-Dimethylphenol, 98%