Anaerobic Biodegradation of Poly-3-Hydroxybutyrate (PHB) by Sulfate Reducing Bacterium Desulfotomaculum sp.

Cetin D.

SOIL & SEDIMENT CONTAMINATION, vol.18, no.3, pp.345-353, 2009 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 18 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2009
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/15320380902772653
  • Journal Name: SOIL & SEDIMENT CONTAMINATION
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.345-353
  • Keywords: Anaerobic biodegradation, Desulfotomaculum, poly-3-hydroxybutyrate, PHB, sulfate reducing bacteria, SRB, POLY-BETA-HYDROXYALKANOATES, LOW-ALLOY STEEL, MICROBIAL-DEGRADATION, POLYHYDROXYALKANOATES, POLY(BETA-HYDROXYALKANOATES), MICROORGANISMS, ACCUMULATION, BIOCORROSION
  • Gazi University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) film pieces were degraded by sulfate reducing Desulfotomaculum sp. incubated under anaerobic laboratory conditions. Degradation started with adherence of the microbial cells and followed by formation of black colonies on the film surface. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observations revealed the presence of bacteria and formation of small holes on the film. After 60 days of incubation at 30C, 10 % weight loss in polymer and 13 % sulfate reduction in the medium was observed. According to gel permeation chromatography (GPC) analysis, the molecular weight of the PHB decreased after 30 days and did not decrease further at a more extended incubation period. Loss of weight of PHB does not seem to be correlated with molecular weight decrease.