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TBA biodegradation in surface-water sediments under aerobic and anaerobic conditions

P. M. Bradley·J. E. Landmeyer·F. H. Chapelle
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Abstract

The potential for [U-14C] TBA biodegradation was examined in laboratory microcosms under a range of terminal electron accepting conditions. TBA mineralization to CO2 was substantial in surface-water sediments under oxic, denitrifying, or Mn(IV)-reducing conditions and statistically significant but low under SO4-reducing conditions. Thus, anaerobic TBA biodegradation may be a significant natural attenuation mechanism for TBA in the environment, and stimulation of in situ TBA bioremediation by addition of suitable terminal electron acceptors may be feasible. No degradation of [U-14C] TBA was observed under methanogenic or Fe(III)-reducing conditions.

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P. M. Bradley, J. E. Landmeyer, F. H. Chapelle. 2002-09-04. TBA biodegradation in surface-water sediments under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. https://doi.org/10.1021/es011480c

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