Bacterial Degradation of Polybrominated Biphenyl Ethers

Authors

  • Jana Vrkoslavová Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Prague
  • Hana Stiborová Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Prague
  • Tereza Zemanová Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Prague
  • Martina Macková Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Prague
  • Kateřina Demnerová Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Prague

Keywords:

polybrominated diphenyl ethers, toxicity, biodegradation

Abstract

Polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) are used as flame retardants in various plastic products. PBDEs are persistent, hydrophobic, bioaccumulative, and toxic orga­nic compounds. Despite their low acute toxicity, the low-brominated congeners act as endocrine disruptors and neurodevelopment toxicants. They have been found in both abiotic (air, dust, sediments or sewage sludge) and biotic samples (marine mammals and fish, birds that feed on fish or birds of prey). Studies have confirmed their presence in human blood, adipose tissue and in milk. This review summarizes current knowledge about physicochemical and toxic properties of PBDEs and the possibility of their bacterial degradation.          

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Published

2011-09-15

How to Cite

Vrkoslavová, J., Stiborová, H., Zemanová, T., Macková, M., & Demnerová, K. (2011). Bacterial Degradation of Polybrominated Biphenyl Ethers. Chemické Listy, 105(9), 654–660. Retrieved from http://chemicke-listy.cz/ojs3/index.php/chemicke-listy/article/view/1073

Issue

Vol. 105 No. 9 (2011)

Section

Articles