MICROBIAL-DEGRADATION OF QUINOLINE - KINETIC-STUDIES WITH COMAMONAS-ACIDOVORANS DSM-6426

The microbial degradation of quinoline by Comamonas acidovorans was st udied in a laboratory scale stirred tank reactor. In continuous cultur e experiments using quinoline as a sole source of carbon and nitrogen, it was shown by means of mass balances that quinoline was converted c ompletely to biomass, carbon dioxide, and ammonia. Degradation rates u p to 0.7 g/L h were obtained. Measured yield coefficients Y(x/s) for q uinoline were about 0.7 g/g, which is in agreement with the theoretica l value for complete mineralization. Kinetic constants based on Haldan e substrate inhibition were evaluated. The values were mu(max) = 0.48 h-1, K(i) = 69 mg/L, and K(s) < 1.45 mg/L. (C) 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.