Grantee Research Project Results

Genetics and Biochemistry Associated with Biodegradation of the Endocrine Disrupter Octylphenol

EPA Grant Number: FP916439
Title: Genetics and Biochemistry Associated with Biodegradation of the Endocrine Disrupter Octylphenol
Investigators: Wise, Abigail E.
Institution: Cornell University
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Project Period: January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2006
Project Amount: $111,344
RFA: STAR Graduate Fellowships (2004) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Fellowship - Microbiology , Biology/Life Sciences , Academic Fellowships

Objective:

The objectives of this project are to elucidate the mechanism by which octylphenol is degraded by aerobic microorganisms and to study the genetic components of the system to gain a better understanding of how to evaluate the biodegradation potential of octylphenol in the environment.

Approach:

A combination of genetic and biochemical tools will provide a mechanism to examine how certain microorganisms are able to utilize octylphenol as a sole carbon source. As these will be laboratory-based, it also will be necessary to model the fate of octylphenol in the environment to gain a more accurate picture of in situ biodegradation rates. Because so little is known regarding the biodegradation of octylphenol, the final aspect of the project will be to test the estrogenicity of the metabolic intermediates.

Supplemental Keywords:

fellowship, octylphenol, biodegradation, aerobic microorganisms, carbon source, octylphenol biodegradation, endocrine disruptors, EDCs,, RFA, Health, Scientific Discipline, Environmental Chemistry, Endocrine Disruptors - Human Health, endocrine disruptors, Endocrine Disruptors - Environmental Exposure & Risk, Ecology and Ecosystems, carbon source, aerobic degradation, biodegradation, endocrine disrupting chemicals, fate and transport

Relevant Websites:

2004 STAR Graduate Fellowship Conference Poster (PDF, 1p., 100KB, about PDF)

Progress and Final Reports:

The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.