Biodegradation of dibromodiphenyl ether in river sediment

The aerobic degradation of 4,4'-Dibromodiphenyl ether (BDE-15) and the changes in the microbial community in river sediment from southern Taiwan were assessed in this study. The aerobic degradation of BDE-15 was enhanced by the addition of surfactin or rhamnolipid, and was inhibited by the addition of brij 30 or brij 35. The optimal conditions were stimulated by the addition of surfactin into the sediment. The degradation of BDE-15 was enhanced by a second and third addition of BDE-15 into the batch cultures. The addition of BDE-degrading bacteria could also enhance the efficiency of BDE-15 degradation in sediment. Pseudomonas sp. and Bacillus sp. were found to be the dominant bacteria in the process of BDE-15 degradation in the sediment. The addition of various treatments altered the microbial community composition in river sediment. These findings could provide useful information for bioremediation of DBE-15 contaminated sites. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.