Degradation of polyhydroxyalkanoates in eutrophic reservoir

During the summers of 1999-2001 the dynamics of polyhydroxyalkanoate degradation in a small recreational eutrophic reservoir was studied experimentally. It has been shown that biodegradation of polyhydroxyalkanoates in the environment is determined by the structure and physicochemical properties of the polymer and by local weather conditions, which influence the state of the aquatic ecosystem. Species (clones) of bacteria able to utilize polyhydroxyalkanoates in the reservoir were identified using molecular phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA genes.