Document qm4jjy2o7eJYJJ5B9xaYoYwxR

D. 'jIWj - MAY 5 1976 New Bacteria Dines On PCB Pollutants WASHINGTON (AP) - A Canadi* an government research scientist has isolated a new strain of bacteria with a hearty appetite for one of the must persistent worldwide environ* mental pollutants - polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Dr. Dickson Uu of the Canada Center for Inland Waters In Burllngton, Ontario, says the bacteria - a variety of common bacteria found in sewage - have been shown to re* duce PCB concentrations in labors* tory solutions from 300,090 parts per billion (ppb) to Jess than 20 ppb in about a week. Uu, who haa been researching methods for treating toxic, insoluble substances in sewage for several years, says the bacteria are not of a disease producing type. He says the bactaria break down PCBs into harmless carbon dioxide gas and lightweight organic acids which are normally found in nature. "We introduce the bacteria Into PCB-contaminated sewage which has been emulsified (broken into tiny particles) with ultrasonic sound and a chemical called lignin aulfo* nate." Liu said in a telephone interview. "The bacteria then thrive on the liny particles of PCBs." PCBs, which are valued for their low flammability and insulation properties, hve been used since the 1930s in a wide variety of electrical products including transformers and fluorescent lights as well as in varl* ous types of inks, paints and "carboniess" carbon paper. The compounds are chemical cousins of DDT and have been Impllcated in birth defects.in Japan. In the United States, PCB contamkna* tion has been responsible for the closing of the Hudson River to New York slate's commercial fishermen this year. Scientists say the chemlcal has been found in the river's fish, especially types which are bottom feeders. The sole U.S. producer of PCBs. Monsanto, haa voluntarily restricted sales to mnufacturers who use the chemicals in systems that prevent, PCBs from escaping into the envi* ronment. Despite this and other re* cent restrictions, Liu says that the amount of PCBs in the environment has not dropped appreciably. He said his process may prove useful in preventing further contamination, Uu refused to speculate on wheth* er the process would work on DDT, but said it is "likely" to have prom* Its in degrading a wide variety of chemically similar pollutants.