biodegradation
Research Article | Applied and Environmental ScienceAssessing Biodegradability of Chemical Compounds from Microbial Community Growth Using Flow CytometryThe manifold effects of potentially toxic compounds on microbial communities are often difficult to discern. Some compounds may be transformed or completely degraded by few or multiple strains in the community, whereas others may present inhibitory effects.
Research Article | Applied and Environmental SciencePhylogenetic Distribution of Plastic-Degrading MicroorganismsWe have collated the most complete database of microorganisms identified as being capable of degrading plastics to date. These data allow us to explore the phylogenetic distribution of these organisms and their enzymes, showing that traits for plastic degradation are predominantly not phylogenetically conserved.
Research Article | Molecular Biology and PhysiologyGenome-Wide Analysis of Transcriptional Changes and Genes That Contribute to Fitness during Degradation of the Anthropogenic Pollutant Pentachlorophenol by Sphingobium chlorophenolicumPhenolic compounds such as pentachlorophenol (PCP), triclosan, and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) represent a common class of anthropogenic biocides. Despite the novelty of these compounds, many can be degraded by microbes isolated from contaminated sites. However, degradation of this class of chemicals often generates toxic intermediates, which may contribute to their recalcitrance to biodegradation. We have addressed the...
Research Article | Applied and Environmental ScienceMicrobial Functional Responses to Cholesterol Catabolism in Denitrifying SludgeSteroids are ubiquitous and abundant natural compounds that display recalcitrance. Biodegradation via sludge communities in wastewater treatment plants is the primary removal process for steroids. To date, compared to studies for aerobic steroid degradation, the knowledge of anaerobic degradation of steroids has been based on only a few model organisms. Due to the increase of anthropogenic impacts, steroid inputs may affect microbial...