Aspects of the fungal degradation of quaternary ammonium compounds in liquid culture

IRG/WP 97-30160

J W Dubois, J N R Ruddick

Didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC) is a quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) that has found use as an anti-sapstain preservative for the transportation of softwood lumber from Canada to overseas markets. However, its use is limited by the knowledge that certain mould fungi seem capable of degrading it. The aim of this research was to gain knowledge about the fungal degradation of DDAC. The effects of Verticillium bulbillosum - a demonstrated QAC-degrading mould - on DDAC within a defined liquid culture were studied. Interactions between the liquid medium and DDAC; the degree of fungal tolerance under varying conditions; and rate of degradation paralleled with fungal growth were examined.


Keywords: BIODEGRADATION; QUATERNARY AMMONIUM COMPOUNDS; MOULD FUNGI

Conference: 97-05-25/30 Whistler, British Columbia, Canada


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