Acceleration of Biodegradation
Three methods by which biodegradation can be augmented have been explored. They are (1) addition of surfactants, (2) supplementation with inorganic nutrients and (3) inoculation with biomass of enriched bacterial species known to degrade a specific compound, the method referred to as bioaugmentation. The enzymes responsible for biodegradation are genetically encoded in bacterial plasmids. These plasmids possess broad host range and can be transferred within the same species or genera. They have been identified in species of Pseudomonas, Alcaligenes, Acinetobacter, Flavobacterium, Beijerinkia, Klebisella, Moraxella and Arthrobacter. Most of the novel strains have been genetically engineered from the genus Pseudomonas and have been patented for cleaning up oil spills.
Submit Your College, Institute, Company, Products for FREE
