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Biochemistry of Pollutant Degradation
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:23:43
Abstract
This course offers detailed information on molecular mechanisms and biochemical concepts of microbial pollutant degradation. Emphasis will be put on enzymatic activation of oxygen and metabolic pathways of important pollutant classes, such as chlorinated and non-chlorinated aromatics, petroleum related compounds, and detergents.
Objective
Conveying of biochemical thinking for judging experimental work on biodegradation, understanding of interrelationships between enzymes and pollutant substrates on a molecular level, and overview of important metabolic degradation pathways
Content
Enzyme reactions: Enzymatic activation of oxygen, mechanisms of mono- and dioxygenases, mechanisms of dehalogenases, Metabolic pathways: Aerobic and anaerobic metabolism of pollutant classes, such as non-chlorinated and chlorinated aromatics and aliphatics, petroleum related compounds (alkanes, BETX compounds), detergents (LAS, nonylphenolpolyethoxylates), and transformation reactions of micropollutants. Thermodynamic and kinetic considerations with regard to degradation and transformation of pollutants. Microbial pathway analysis
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Biochemistry of Pollutant Degradation |
|
2 h weekly |