Correlation of Microbial Degradation Rates with the Chemical Structure

Structure/reactivity relations are investigated experimentally and theoretically for the microbial degradation of 35 substituted phenols and anilines by adapted mixed cultures of bacteria. From the results one can conclude that the initial attack of the aromatic nucleus has an electrophilic character and is ratelimiting. The results are suitable for predictions of biodegradation rates of organic compounds and facilitate understanding of the mechanism of degradation.