Biodegradation of [14C]phenol in secondary sewage and landfill leachate measured by double-vial radiorespirometry.

Double-vial radiorespirometry was used to estimate the biodegradation rates of 14C-labeled phenol in a landfill leachate and a secondary treated domestic wastewater. Rates were found to be comparable for each material at each of the three concentrations tested. Sewage microorganisms immediately began biodegrading the [14C]phenol; landfill leachate microorganisms required a lag period before maximum biodegradation of the [14C]phenol. The apparent rate of [14C]phenol biodegradation was 2.4 times faster in the sewage than in the landfill leachate. Double-vial radiorespirometry was shown to be an effective method for screening biodegradation rates in aquifers.