Sulfidic toluene mineralization by aquifer microbial communities at different temperatures.

ABSTRACT: High-temperature aquifer thermal energy storage (HT-ATES) is a carbon-neutral technology in the heating and cooling sector particularly suitable for urban areas, where aquifers are often contaminated with hydrocarbons. How HT-ATES could influence the natural degradation of contaminants such as hydrocarbons has hardly been investigated. Here, we determined the effects of temperature and temperature shifts on the capability of aquifer microbial communities to mineralize the model hydrocarbon toluene at sulfate-reducing conditions. Distinct toluene-mineralizing, sulfate-reducing consortia were enriched from material of two hydrocarbon-contaminated field sites at 12°C, 20°C, 25°C, 38°C, and 45°. Lowest toluene mineralization rates were observed at 38°C, and highest rates were observed at 45°C.

SUBMITTER: Hudari MSB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12342453 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature