VARIOVORAX STRAINS CAPABLE OF DEGRADING METHYL TERT-BUTYL ETHER AND THEIR USE

摘要

Water-soluble ethers used as octane number enhancers in gasoline are disturbing components in soils and groundwater even in small amounts due to their strong taste and odour. This invention relates to biological purification of gasoline-contaminated soils and groundwater, more specifically to Variovorax strains being able to degrade ethers and their degradation products and to a mixed bacterial population comprising said bacteria. Further this invention relates to a process for bacterial degradation of ethers and their degradation products and to the use of one or more Variovorax strains of the invention in purifying contaminated soil or water.