Understanding the environmental transformation of carbon nanotubes is critical for their life-cycle risk assessment. Biotic degradations of fullerols and single-walled carbon nanotubes have been identified in recent studies, but there has not been a report on microbial degradation of MWCNTs. Using C14-labeled materials, we have identified an enrichment culture that is capable of mineralizing MWCNTs into CO2. We are currently conducting a suite of culture experiments and genetic characterizations to identify the microorganisms that are responsible for MWCNTs degradation. We are also conducting experiments to elucidate the biochemical and chemical pathways that are involved in MWCNTs degradation.

Microbial degradation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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