Microorganisms Degrading Polychlorinated Biphenyls

Four strains belonging to the genus Bacilluscapable of degrading polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were isolated by screening collection strains of soil bacteria degrading an organochlorine pesticide, hexachlorocyclohexane (HCCH). A method for production of tritium-labeled PCBs was developed. Consumption and degradation of PCBs by the soil bacterial strains selected were studied using tritium-labeled PCBs and GLC. It was demonstrated that PCBs are degradable both in culture media and in model soil samples.