[Microbial destruction of harmful organic contaminants inherent to atmosphere of living space].

The investigation into the microbial destruction of harmful organic contaminants in the air of habitable rooms was performed with the assumption that microorganisms have labile metabolism and synthesize inducible enzymes involved in transformation of organics compounds. Based on our observations, Methylobacterium D-08 and Arthrobacter pastens are able to synthesize inducible enzymes and transform ethanol, acetic acid, acetone, and aldehyde. Association of these microorganisms does not reveal acute antagonism in case of co-cultivation on mineral substrates with carbon provided by ethanol, acidic acid, acetone, and acetate aldehyde. The most rapid growth of microorganisms was observed at 28 degrees C and pH 7. Determination of the effects of different concentrations of harmful organics on carbon dioxide production by the microbial association showed that the threshold concentration of acetate aldehyde was close to 2 mg/l and acetone--4 mg/l. The transformation activity was not reduced even at the ethanol and acidic acid concentrations of 80 and 100 mg/l, respectively. The association of A. pastens and M.D-08 oxidized ethanol, acidic acid, acetone and acetate aldehyde to carbon dioxide and water up to 90%.