Publication

Who will clean up the environment from polychlorinated biphenyls?

Christof Holliger
2011
Posters

Abstract

PCBs are persistent, toxic and carcinogenic organic pollutants whose production was banned in the 80’s. Recently specific bacterial species were shown to degrade these compounds by attacking the bond between the aromatic core and the flanking chlorine atoms. This process, called anaerobic organohalide respiration, could be a possible way for environmental bioremediation. Nevertheless, little is known about the diversity of this bacterial guild and the enzymes which are involved.

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Christof Holliger
2011
Posters

Abstract

Official source

Related concepts (13)

Polychlorinated dibenzodioxins

Polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs), or simply dioxins, are a group of long-lived polyhalogenated organic compounds that are primarily anthropogenic, and contribute toxic, persistent organic pollution in the environment. They are commonly but inaccurately referred to as dioxins for simplicity, because every PCDD molecule contains a dibenzo-1,4-dioxin skeletal structure, with 1,4-dioxin as the central ring. Members of the PCDD family bioaccumulate in humans and wildlife because of their lipophilic properties, and may cause developmental disturbances and cancer.

Bioremediation

Bioremediation broadly refers to any process wherein a biological system (typically bacteria, microalgae, fungi, and plants), living or dead, is employed for removing environmental pollutants from air, water, soil, flue gasses, industrial effluents etc., in natural or artificial settings. The natural ability of organisms to adsorb, accumulate, and degrade common and emerging pollutants has attracted the use of biological resources in treatment of contaminated environment.

Environmental engineering

Environmental engineering is a professional engineering discipline related to environmental science. It encompasses broad scientific topics like chemistry, biology, ecology, geology, hydraulics, hydrology, microbiology, and mathematics to create solutions that will protect and also improve the health of living organisms and improve the quality of the environment. Environmental engineering is a sub-discipline of civil engineering and chemical engineering.

Related publications (2)

Who will clean up the environment from polychlorinated biphenyls?

Chat with Graph Search

From green to clean: a promising and sustainable approach towards environmental remediation

Bacterial life in a stagnant PCE-contaminated aquifer