MODULE–5
METHODS IN DETERMINING BIODEGRADABILITY
Introduction
Before applying any bioremediation or biodegradation strategy, it is essential to determine
whether a contaminant is biodegradable and to what extent. Methods in determining
biodegradability help assess the availability of pollutants to biological agents, the rate of
degradation, and the effectiveness of microorganisms and plants in transforming or
removing contaminants from the environment.
1. Contaminant Availability for Biodegradation
Definition
Contaminant availability for biodegradation refers to the extent to which a pollutant is
accessible to microorganisms or plants for biological degradation or transformation.
Even if a compound is biodegradable, it may not be bioavailable, which limits the
biodegradation process.
Factors Affecting Contaminant Availability
1. Physical State of the Contaminant
• Dissolved pollutants are more bioavailable
• Adsorbed or solid-phase pollutants are less accessible
2. Chemical Nature
• Molecular size and structure
• Solubility in water
• Presence of functional groups
• Degree of halogenation
3. Environmental Factors
• Soil type and texture
• Organic matter content
• pH and temperature
• Moisture content
Importance
• Determines success of bioremediation
• Influences microbial uptake
• Controls degradation rate
2. Methods for Determining Biodegradability
Commonly Used Methods
1. Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD)
• Measures oxygen consumed by microbes during degradation
• High BOD indicates good biodegradability
2. Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)
• Measures total oxidizable organic matter
• Comparison of BOD/COD ratio indicates biodegradability
3. Respirometric Tests
• Measure oxygen uptake or CO₂ evolution
• Indicates microbial metabolic activity
4. Microbial Growth Tests
• Growth rate of microbes in presence of pollutant
• Increased growth indicates biodegradability
3. Use of Microbes in Biodegradation and
Biotransformation
Role of Bacteria
Bacteria are the primary agents of biodegradation due to:
• Fast growth rate
• High metabolic diversity
• Ability to degrade a wide range of pollutants
Examples:
• Hydrocarbon degradation
• Pesticide degradation
• Industrial effluent treatment
Role of Fungi
Fungi play an important role in degrading complex and recalcitrant compounds.
Characteristics:
• Produce extracellular enzymes
• Degrade lignin-like and aromatic compounds
• Tolerant to harsh environments
Biotransformation by Microorganisms
Biotransformation refers to the enzymatic modification of pollutants into less toxic or
more biodegradable forms.
Mechanisms:
• Oxidation
• Reduction
• Hydrolysis
• Methylation and demethylation
4. Use of Plants in Biodegradation and Biotransformation
Definition
Plants contribute to biodegradation through direct uptake, enzymatic transformation, and
stimulation of microbial activity in the root zone.
Mechanisms:
1. Uptake of contaminants through roots
2. Enzymatic transformation within plant tissues
3. Release of root exudates stimulating microbes
Importance:
• Suitable for large contaminated areas
• Cost-effective
• Environmentally sustainable
5. Phytoremediation
Definition
Phytoremediation is the use of green plants to remove, degrade, stabilize, or transform
contaminants present in soil and water.
Types of Phytoremediation
1. Phytoextraction – uptake of contaminants
2. Phytodegradation – breakdown of organic pollutants
3. Phytostabilization – immobilization of pollutants
4. Rhizofiltration – absorption of contaminants from water
6. Wastewater Treatment Using Aquatic Plants
Definition
Wastewater treatment using aquatic plants involves the use of floating or rooted aquatic
vegetation to remove nutrients, organic matter, and toxic pollutants from wastewater.
Common Aquatic Plants Used:
• Water hyacinth
• Duckweed
• Water lettuce
• Cattails
Mechanism:
• Absorption of nutrients and pollutants
• Microbial degradation in root-associated biofilms
• Sedimentation of suspended solids
Advantages:
• Low cost
• Simple operation
• Effective nutrient removal
Limitations:
• Requires large land area
• Seasonal variations affect efficiency
7. Root Zone Treatment (Rhizosphere Technology)
Definition
Root zone treatment is a biological wastewater treatment process that utilizes plant
roots and associated microorganisms to remove pollutants.
Principle:
• Roots provide oxygen and nutrients
• Microorganisms degrade pollutants
• Plants absorb nutrients and toxic compounds
Pollutants Treated:
• Organic matter
• Nutrients (N, P)
• Heavy metals
• Pathogens
Applications:
• Domestic wastewater treatment
• Industrial effluent treatment
• Decentralized sewage systems
Advantages:
• Eco-friendly
• Minimal energy requirement
• Sustainable and aesthetic
Limitations:
• Slow process
• Requires proper plant selection
• Not suitable for highly toxic effluents