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State of knowledge on becoming to organic pollutants in soils during the natural biodegradation and after biotreatments: Identification of compounds “metabolites” and the kinetics

Summary

Old or recent soil pollution by 'naturally' degradable organic compounds generates metabolite compounds that are more or less stable over time. These compounds can sometimes be less dangerous or more dangerous and/or mobile than the initial pollutants. The aim of the study is to draw up a bibliographic report, based on existing studies and databases in the field, with a view to providing relevant information on intermediate and final metabolic compounds, natural biodegradation kinetics and influencing factors, for three families of organic pollutants commonly encountered on polluted sites (alkanes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and chlorinated solvents). Physico-chemical properties and (eco)toxic data are given for the main molecules in each family (parent molecules) and are summarised in tables. This is followed by a literature review of aerobic and anaerobic biodegradation pathways for each of the organic families. The environmental parameters influencing the reactions and the operating conditions of the tests taken from the literature are also specified. Finally, the main metabolites are listed, along with their physico-chemical and (eco)toxic properties, so that the toxicity of parent molecules and biotransformation products can be compared. In the appendices, classified summary sheets have been produced listing the degradation pathways, with an indication of the aerobic and anaerobic conditions and the micro-organisms involved. The complete sheets with hyperlinks are attached to the report in electronic format.

Keywords: voies de biodégradation, composés organiques, métabolites, sol, toxicité, alcanes, HAP, solvants chlorés

Publication date: March 2007

Achievement: IRH ENVIRONNEMENT

Reference: 05-0513/1A


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