Anaerobic biodegradation of linear alkylbenzene: Isomeric ratio as a monitoring tool.

Johnson, Stephen J; Barry, D A; Christofi, Nicholas

doi:10.2462/09670513.858

Authors

Stephen J Johnson

D A Barry

Nicholas Christofi

Abstract

Linear alkylbenzenes (LABs) are common environmental contaminants associated with a range of industrial and domestic activities. Although natural environments receiving LABs may exhibit a range of redox conditions, until now only aerobic biodegradation of these compounds has been demonstrated. Where LAB contamination occurs, it is important to identify degradation and measure its extent in order to make decisions on whether monitored natural attenuation (intrinsic bioremediation) is sufficient, or whether active remediation techniques are required. We have demonstrated that LABs are degraded under both aerobic and nitrate-reducing conditions. Statistical analysis of these results and published data indicate that the C12 LAB isomeric ratio varies with biodegradation, independently of the terminal electron acceptor used. Biodegradation (B, %) can be estimated from the ratio of internal to external isomers of C12 LAB by the equation B = 78 x log10 (I:E) + 16.4. This relationship can be used to determine the degree of biodegradation of LABs in a range of environments, including sites where the redox history is unknown, making it a powerful yet simple tool for monitoring LAB biodegradation in the environment.

Citation

Johnson, S. J., Barry, D. A., & Christofi, N. (2007). Anaerobic biodegradation of linear alkylbenzene: Isomeric ratio as a monitoring tool. Land Contamination and Reclamation, 15, 235-241. doi:10.2462/09670513.858

Journal Article Type	Article
Publication Date	Jan 1, 2007
Deposit Date	Jul 14, 2008
Print ISSN	0967-0513
Publisher	EPP Publications
Peer Reviewed	Peer Reviewed
Volume	15
Pages	235-241
DOI	https://doi.org/10.2462/09670513.858
Keywords	Aerobic; Bioremediation; LAB; Natural attenuation; C12 isomeric ratio;
Public URL	http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/id/eprint/1717
Publisher URL	http://dx.doi.org/10.2462/09670513.858