What is it about?
This study reports the discovery of a new bacterium capable of degrading carbon tetrachloride (CT), a toxic and environmentally persistent pollutant, under aerobic conditions. The researchers found that this novel Pseudomonas species can tolerate and degrade up to 5 mM of CT co-metabolically with different carbon sources. This is significant because previous studies focused on anaerobic degradation methods, and the ability to use oxygen for CT biodegradation opens new avenues in environmental remediation.
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Why is it important?
The research demonstrates that a previously unknown bacterium can degrade CT under aerobic conditions, which is crucial for developing effective bioremediation strategies. This finding could lead to more efficient and cost-effective ways to clean up contaminated sites where this harmful chemical has been released into the environment.
Perspectives
As a scientist involved in this study, I've always been interested in leveraging bioremediation techniques to clean up contaminated soils and water bodies. This research on carbon tetrachloride (CT) degradation under aerobic conditions is a step forward in that direction. CT is a ubiquitous pollutant, and its persistence in the environment poses significant challenges for remediation.
Dr. Leonardo Stari
Tohoku Daigaku
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: A microbial consortium led by a novel Pseudomonas species enables degradation of carbon tetrachloride under aerobic conditions, Chemosphere, April 2023, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.137988.
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