Bacterial degradation of homo- and heterocyclic aromatic compounds in the presence of soluble/colloidal humic acid.

Aqueous association of several organic compounds to Aldrich humic acid (AHA) was determined by equilibrium dialysis or solubility enhancement. The effect of varying concentrations of AHA on chemical degradation was also determined in batch experiments. Atrazine and glucose mineralization was greater in the presence of AHA and the enhancement was attributed to enhanced cellular uptake. No AHA inhibition on naphthalene or quinoline biodegradation was observed.