Bacterial destruction of anionic sulfoethoxylate surfactants
Stavskaia, S.S.; Grigor'eva, T.I.; Gaibova, N.D.; Rotmistrov, M.N.
Mikrobiologiia 56(4): 608-612
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0026-3656 PMID: 2826975 Document Number: 296707
A Pseudomonas putida strain G was isolated and its activity in the destruction of sulfoethoxylates (surfactants) was studied as a function of the cultivation conditions. Ultrastructural changes were found in the cells utilizing sulfoethoxylates. Sulfoethoxylates were found to be decomposed by P. putida G via two pathways: (a) desulfation of the molecule and (b) cleavage of the alkyl ester bond. The intermediate products were not toxic and did not pollute the habitat. The strain can be used for microbiological purification of sewage.