Activity and distribution of phenanthrene-degrading bacterial in the Great Bay Estuary, NH

Phenanthrene is a major component of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) composite found in Great Bay sediments and suspended matter. The activity and distribution of phenanthrene degrading bacteria show significant spatial and temporal variations. Enumeration of phenanthrene degrading bacteri...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Estuaries 1985-01, Vol.8 (2B), p.11A-11A
Main Authors: Guerin, W, Sanseverino, J, Jones, G G
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Brackish
Marine
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Phenanthrene is a major component of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) composite found in Great Bay sediments and suspended matter. The activity and distribution of phenanthrene degrading bacteria show significant spatial and temporal variations. Enumeration of phenanthrene degrading bacteria at 4 stations in the estuary over a one year period showed a pronounced increase during the late summer and early fall corresponding with elevated water temperatures. super(14)C-phenanthrene mineralization rates were highest in surface microlayer, bulkwater and sediment samples taken near known PAH inputs, i.e., marinas, an oil refinery and a sewage outfall. The phenanthrene degrading bacteria constituted up to 0.3% of the total direct count at these sites.
ISSN:0160-8347