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ENVIRONMENTAL AND POLLUTION MICROBIOLOGY
PROBLEM SET DUE APRIL 28, 2010
1. Write a balanced equation for the mineralization of 2,4-dichlorophenol to carbon
dioxide under sulfidogenic conditions. You need not consider the production of
cells.
2. Write a balanced equation for the degradation of toluene to carbon dioxide under
iron reducing conditions (Fe+3 —> Fe+2). You need not consider the production
of cells.
3. Compare the aerobic oxidation of glucose to carbon dioxide and water (ignore cell
production) with the aerobic oxidation of a comparable 6 carbon alkane (ignore cell
production). What is the difference in oxygen required?
If you were asked to stimulate the biodegradation of a 50,000 gallon spill of this
alkane (~ 40 tons of petroleum) in a coastal environment, how much nitrogen (in
tons) would be needed (assume a 10:1 ratio of C:N)? What kinds of ecological
consequences could result by adding this nutrient to this coastal environment site?