How is polyacrylamide biodegraded?

Both single microbial species as well as mixed populations have been investigated for degradation. Biodegradation of polyacrylamide begins with amidase catalysed deamination of polyacrylamide to ammonia and polyacrylate. The liberated ammonia is then used as a nitrogen source for growth by the microbes.

Is polyacrylate more recalcitrant to biodegradation than amide?

The carbon backbone, polyacrylate, is more recalcitrant to biodegradation than the amide moieties. There are nevertheless reports on microbial growth with polyacrylamide and polyacrylate as the carbon sources.

Can acrylamide be biodegraded?

Biodegradation of PAM and its derivatives has been studied only in the last two decades, with most emphasis on acrylamide biodegradation. Microorganisms have been shown to utilize, not only acrylamide, but also PAM and its derivatives as the sole source of nitrogen and/or carbon under aerobic as well as anaerobic conditions.

Are polyacrylates recalcitrant to degradation?

Remaining polyacrylates are more recalcitrant to degradation. Polyacrylamide degradation has mainly been reported for aerobic bacteria. With fungi the degradation is initiated by secreted lignin degrading oxidases. Polyacrylamide may be degraded to acrylamide anaerobically, but not aerobically.

Can polyacrylamide be bioremediated?

Although polyacrylamide (PAM) and its derivatives have many useful applications, their release in nature can have impacts on the environment and human health, thus bioremediation approaches for residual PAM are urgently needed.

How are polyacrylamides deaminated to polyacrylates?

Polyacrylamides are first deaminated to polyacrylates by microbial amidases. Remaining polyacrylates are more recalcitrant to degradation. Polyacrylamide degradation has mainly been reported for aerobic bacteria. With fungi the degradation is initiated by secreted lignin degrading oxidases.