[Microbial degradation of aromatic compounds]

Abstract

Benzene degrading bacteria can be isolated easily. In this contribution, the degradation pathway of benzene has been described. It shows a formation of catechol as an intermediate product which can be split oxidatively between hydroxyl groups (an ortho-splitting) as well as beside the hydroxyl groups (a meta-splitting). The participation of plasmids in the degradation process has been brought out. The herbicide PyraminR becomes metabolized by Phenylobacterium immobile in a way which is typical for the degradation of other aromatics, too. The characteristics of a Pseudomonas strain which could become enriched in the presence of 4-chlorobenzoic acid has been quoted: it offers four different ways of dehalogenation. The degradation pathways of aniline and its derivatives go towards catechol and its derivatives. The possible degradation of natural occurring aromatics has been shown by the examples of chloramphenicol, ephedrine, papaverin, juglone and lawsone. The formation of halogenated compounds under natural conditions has been discussed.