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International Journal of Environment Science and Technology
Center for Environment and Energy Research and Studies (CEERS)
ISSN: 1735-1472 EISSN: 1735-1472
Vol. 11, No. 1, 2014, pp. 241-250
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Bioline Code: st14024
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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International Journal of Environment Science and Technology, Vol. 11, No. 1, 2014, pp. 241-250
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Methanotrophs: promising bacteria for environmental remediation
Pandey, V. C.; Singh, J. S.; Singh, D. P. & Singh, R. P.
Abstract
Methanotrophs are unique and ubiquitous bacteria
that utilize methane as a sole source of carbon and
energy from the atmosphere. Besides, methanotrophs may
also be targeted for bioremediation of diverse type of heavy
metals and organic pollutants owing to the presence of
broad-spectrum methane monooxygenases enzyme. They
are highly specialized group of aerobic bacteria and have a
unique capacity for oxidation of certain types of organic
pollutants like alkanes, aromatics, halogenated alkenes, etc.
Oxidation reactions are initiated by methane monooxygenases
enzyme, which can be expressed by methanotrophs in
the absence of copper. The present article describes briefly
the concerns regarding the unusual reactivity and broad
substrate profiles of methane monooxygenases, which indicate
many potential applications in bioremediation of heavy
metals and toxic organic compounds. Research is needed to
develop understanding in plant–methanotrophs interactions
that optimize methanotrophs utilization in the field of environmental
remediation, while supporting other ecosystem
services.
Keywords
Bioremediation; Heavy metals; Methanotrophs; Organic pollutants
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