Mechanisms of degradation of p-nitrophenol by bacterial community

The bacterial community selected earlier for 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene destruction was able to transform p-nitrophenol as well. A transformation rate of p-nitrophenol as well as a mechanism of initial attack of biodegradation of the xenobiotic by the bacterial community depended from supplemental carbon and nitrogen sources. p-Nitrophenol as a sole source of carbon was degraded by the bacterial community with release of nitrite. An addition of ethanol to cultivation medium caused a deceleration of the p-nitrophenol transformation rate and a preference of reducing mechanism of p-nitrophenol transformation as a first step of the biodegradation (with formation of p-aminophenol).