Biodegradability of mixtures of chloro- and methylsubstituted aromatics: simultaneous degradation of 3-chlorobenzoate and 3-methylbenzoate

The capabilities of several isolates to degrade mixtures of chloro- and methyl-aromatics were studied using 3-chlorobenzoate and 3-methylbenzoate as substrates. Strains obtained from continuous cultures with these compounds or with chlorophenols and cresols were classified according to their abilities to grow on 3-chlorobenzoate, 3-methylbenzoate, or 2-methyllactone and their mode of degrading aromatic substrates, whether by ortho- or meta-cleavage of the aromatic ring. The groups of strains were tested for their ability to mineralize 3-chlorobenzoate /3-metabenzoate mixtures and degrees of DOC removal were measured.