TBA Biodegradation in Surface-Water Sediments under Aerobic and Anaerobic Conditions

Abstract

The potential for [U-¹⁴C] TBA biodegradation was examined in laboratory microcosms under a range of terminal electron accepting conditions. TBA mineralization to CO₂ was substantial in surface-water sediments under oxic, denitrifying, or Mn(IV)-reducing conditions and statistically significant but low under SO₄-reducing conditions. Thus, anaerobic TBA biodegradation may be a significant natural attenuation mechanism for TBA in the environment, and stimulation of in situ TBA bioremediation by addition of suitable terminal electron acceptors may be feasible. No degradation of [U-¹⁴C] TBA was observed under methanogenic or Fe(III)-reducing conditions.