The Degradation of n-Alkylcycloalkanes by a Mixed Bacterial Culture

Abstract

Mycobacterium rhodochrous strain 7EIC grows with dodecylcyclohexane at the expense of acetyl fragments released by β-oxidation of the side-chain. Cyclohexaneacetic acid, which is not amenable to β-oxidation and is not oxidized by this organism, accumulates in significant yield. In combination with Arthrobacter strain CA1, which degrades cyclohexaneacetic acid by a novel pathway, a stable mixed culture is established that is capable of the complete degradation of dodecylcyclohexane and related hydrocarbons.