Biodegradation of cyanides, cyanates and thiocyanates to ammonia and carbon dioxide by immobilized cells of Pseudomonas putida.

Pseudomonas putida utilizes cyanide as the sole source of carbon and nitrogen. Agar, alginate, and carrageenan were screened as the encapsulating matrices for P. putida.

Cell-free extract(s) of Pseudomonas putida catalyzes the conversion of cyanides, cyanates, thiocyanates, formamide, and cyanide-containing mine waters into ammonia.

Our isolate, Pseudomonas putida, is known to be capable of utilizing cyanides as the sole source of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) both in the form of free cells and cells immobilized in calcium alginate. In the present study, the cell-free extract(s) were prepared from the cells of P. putida grown in the presence of sodium cyanide.

Effect of temperature and yeast extract on microbial respiration of sediments from a shallow coastal subsurface and vadose zone.

As a part of our study on microbial heterogeneity in subsurface environments, we have examined the microbial respiration of sediment samples obtained from a coastal site near Oyster, VA. The sediments at the site are unconsolidated, fine to coarse beach sand and gravel. A Columbus Instruments Micro-Oxymax Respirometer was used to measure the rate of carbon dioxide (CO2) production during the respiration of the sediment samples.

Pseudomonas marginalis: its degradative capability on organic nitriles and amides.

Pseudomonas marginalis, capable of utilizing acetonitrile as the sole source of carbon and nitrogen, was isolated from an industrial waste site. P. marginalis metabolized acetonitrile into ammonia and acetate.

Degradation of nitriles and amides by the immobilized cells of Pseudomonas putida.

Pseudomonas putida, capable of utilizing acetonitrile as a sole source of C and N, was immobilized in calcium alginate and the rates of degradation of nitriles, including acetonitrile, and their respective amides were studied. All the organic nitriles and amides tested were converted into NH3 and CO2.