Enhanced degradation of polychlorobiphenyls by surface-active agents

摘要

Through the use of proper surface-active agents, efficient PCB degradation in contaminated soil can be achieved. Surfactin efficiently solubilizes PCB, leading to enhanced activity of a PCB degrading system. Octyl glucoside, non-ionic detergent, was also very effective in degradation. Some surfactants can increase the apparent solubility of hydrophobic organic compounds (HOCs), including PCBs. These agents make the entry into the hydrophobic core of micelles much easier If the soil composition and mechanism on a contaminated site are fully understood, in situ biodegradation can be exploited.