Distribution and Catabolic Diversity of 3-Chlorobenzoic Acid Degrading Bacteria Isolated from Geographically-Separated Pristine Soils
Abstract
Chlorinated aromatic compounds have been used extensively in industry and agriculture for over the past 50 years. Even though chloroaromatic compounds are generally viewed as xenobiotic, numerous bacteria have been isolated that are able to mineralize these compounds. However, it is not known whether these isolates have recently evolved new catabolic traits or if they are genetically preadapted for xenobiotic degradation. In this study, 3-chlorobenzoic acid (3- CBA) was chosen as a model substrate to test the hypothesis that natural bacterial populations are preadapted for chloroaromatic degradation. Pristine soil ecosystems, defined as those with no documented history of exposure to chlorinated aromatic compounds, were sampled to determine if isolates could be cultivated without long-term enrichment. Two ecosystems were selected: (1) Mediterranean, sclerophyllous woodlands in California, Chile, South Africa, and Australia; and (2) boreal forests in Canada and Russia. A two-step enrichment protocol using 3-CBA-UL-ring-14C was used to detect mineralization in mixed communities. Primary soil enrichments were treated with 50 micrograms 3-CBAg. dry.soil sup 1 and secondary enrichments were performed with 50 micrograms 3- CBAml sup 1 defined medium. Isolates were obtained by plating on R2A agar.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA284492
Entities
People
- Albert N. Rhodes Iii
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology