9414423 Logan This is an award to support research on the potential utilization of sodium chlorate as an electron acceptor for metabolic processes in microorganisms that are capable of utilizing organic contaminants of soil and aquifers as a source of respiratory carbon. The proposal leading to this award was submitted under conditions outlined in NSF 89-85, Small Grants for Exploratory Research (SGER). The investigator plans on exploring the use of sodium chlorate to permit white rot fungi, known for their capability of degrading aromatic hydrocarbons of pollutional significance, to continue respiring after the formation of a fungal mat at the gas/liquid interface inhibits or prevents the entry of atmospheric oxygen into the fluid containing the contaminants. Results of this project are expected to provide the basis for further exploration of the potential use of sodium chlorate as a source of respiratory oxygen under conditions that prevent or inhibit use of oxygen from atmospheric sources. Success in that respect is likely to result in application of this concept to decontamination of soil and groundwater aquifers contaminated by biodegradable organic substances.
