Biogenic Volatile Organic Compounds As A Potential Stimulator For Organic Contaminant Degradation By Soil Microorganisms

摘要

The effects of monoterpenes on the degradation of ~(14)C-2,4-dichlorophenol (DCP) were investigated in soils collected from areas surrounding monoterpene and non-monoterpene-emitting vegetation. Indigenous microorganisms degraded ~(14)C-2,4-DCP to ~(14)CO_2, after 1 d contact time. Degradation was enhanced by prior exposure of the soils to 2,4-DCP for 32 d, increasing extents of mineralisation up to 60%. Monoterpene amendments further enhanced 2,4-DCP degradation, but only following pre-exposure to both 2,4-DCP and monoterpene, with total 2,4-DCP mineralisation extents of up to 71%. Degradation was greatest at the higher monoterpene concentrations (≥1 μg kg~~(-1)). Total mineralisation extents were similar between concentrations, but higher than the control and the 0.1 μg kg~~(-1) amendment, indicating that increases in monoterpene concentration has a diminishing enhancing effect. We suggest that monoterpenes can stimulate the biodegradation of 2,4-DCP by indigenous soil microorganisms and that monoterpene amendment in soils is an effective strategy for removing organic contaminants.