Abstract:[Objective] To investigate the degradation characteristics and degradation paths of decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) by complex bacteria communities based on six strains of BDE-209 degrading bacteria, so as to provide a scientific basis for the remediation of BDE-209-contaminated environments. [Methods] We determined the concentration of BDE-209 by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and identified the degradation products by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. [Results] The combination of Brevibacillus sp. (M1) and Achromobacter sp. (M2) had the best degradation capacity for BDE-209. At 30 ℃, pH 7.0, and an inoculation amount of 15%, the combination showed the degradation efficiency of 87.7% for 10 mg/L BDE-209 after 120 h. The complex bacteria community M(1+2) degraded BDE-209 more efficiently and quickly than the single strains. The degradation efficiency of BDE-209 by M(1+2) increased with the increase in the initial concentration of BDE-209 within the range of 0.5-10 mg/L. Liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometer (LC-MS) identified 11 degradation products of BDE-209. M(1+2) degraded BDE-209 by debromination, hydroxylation, deprotonation, ether bond breaking, and ring opening. [Conclusion] The complex bacteria community M(1+2) demonstrates strong degradation capacity for BDE-209. The findings enriched the microbial resources for improving the bioremediation of BDE-209-contaminated environments.
