Biodegradation of kerosene by Aspergillus ochraceus NCIM-1146

The filamentous fungus Aspergillus ochraceus NCIM-1146 was found to degrade kerosene, when previously grown mycelium (96 h) was incubated in the broth containing kerosene. Higher levels of NADPH-DCIP reductase, aminopyrine N-demethylase and kerosene biodegradation activities were found to be present after the growth in potato dextrose broth for 96 h, when compared with the activities at different time intervals during the growth phase. NADPH was the preferred cofactor for enzyme activity, which was inhibited by CO, indicating cytochrome P450 mediated reactions. A significant increase in all the enzyme activities was observed when mycelium incubated for 18 h in mineral salts medium, containing cholesterol, camphor, naphthalene, 1,2-dimethoxybenzene, phenobarbital, n-hexane, kerosene or saffola oil as inducers. Acetaldehyde produced by alcohol dehydrogenase could be used as an indicator for the kerosene biodegradation.

Biotransformation enzymes inCunninghamella blakesleeana (NCIM-687)

Presence of higher enzyme levels of aminopyrine N-demethylase, aniline hydroxylase and 11-beta hydroxylase activities were observed in Cunninghamella blakesleeana grown in potato-dextrose medium for 96 h. The enzyme activity preferred NADPH as a cofactor and showed inhibition with CO, indicating cytochrome P450 mediated reactions. A significant increase in aniline hydroxylase enzyme activity was observed when mycelia incubated in incubation medium containing different inducers (viz. camphor, cholesterol, naphthalene, veratrole, phenobarbital, n -hexadecane and ethyl alcohol) when compared with mycelia incubated in same way but in absence of inducers. Cunninghamella blakesleeana (NCIM 687) have shown the ability to degrade cholesterol, camphor and naphthalene when 96 h grown mycelia incubated in incubation medium containing these organic compounds.

Effect of simultaneous low level exposure of Pb and Cd on delta-ALAD and acetylcholinesterase activity in rats

Dose dependent study was performed to identify subcritical level of Pb and Cd. Blood delta-ALAD activity was inhibited by (0.1 mg/kg body wt) of both lead and cadmium in isolation and combination, the extent of which increases with duration of exposure. Hepatic delta-ALAD activity however is less affected by Cd and Pb-Cd together than Pb alone. Erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase activity though decrease in all groups, is not significant.