Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an aliphatic polyester, utilizing starch as a raw material.

Abstract: Microorganisms capable of synthesizing novel polyhydroxyalkanoate having 3-hydroxythienylalkanoic acid as monomer unit, using thienylalkanoic acid as a stock are cultured on a culture medium containing thienylalkanoic acid, and the polyhydroxyalkanoate produced in the cultured cell is extracted and

Abstract: A biologically pure culture of Pseudomonas cepacia strain KK01 (FERM BP-4235) is capable of degrading trichloroethylene. A method for obtaining microorganisms having a trichloroethylene degrading ability comprises the steps of culturing microorganisms separated from the bodies of termites in a culture medium. A method for remediating a soil contaminated with trichloroethylene comprises the steps of providing a soil contaminated with trichloroethylene and bringing microorganisms having a trichloroethylene degrading ability derived from intestine of termites into contact with the soil, and biodegrading trichloroethylene in the soil.

Abstract: A bacterium strain JM1 (FERM BP-5352) capable of degrading organic compounds without inducers is disclosed. Further, methods for degrading organic compounds and remedying an environment using the bacterium strain are also disclosed. The microorganism is brought into contact with the environment under conditions which stimulates the organism to degrade the organic compounds and thus, remedying the environment of pollutants. A kit and method for selectively detecting the strain expressing oxygenase from a sample containing strain J1 FERM BP-5102 is also disclosed. The latter strain expresses oxygenase when induced, however, strain JM1 FERM BP-5352 does not require induction. In addition, a process for obtaining strain JM1 FERM BP-5352 is also disclosed.

Abstract: There are here provided a method for biodegrading trichloroethylene which comprises the step of bringing an aqueous medium containing trichloroethylene into contact with microorganisms having a trichloroethylene degrading ability derived from intestines of termites to degrade trichloroethylene; a method for obtaining the microorganisms; a method for remediating a soil by the use of the microorganisms; and a method for biodegrading an chlorinated organic compound with the microorganisms.

Abstract: A novel microbial strain JMC1 (FERM BP-5960) that it is a mutant strain derived from JM1 (FERM BP-5352) constitutively expressing oxygenase, and a method for biodegrading aromatic compounds and chlorinated organic compounds by using strain JMC1 as well as a method for environmental remediation which comprises a step of biodegrading contaminant in the environment by using strain JMC1. Aromatic compounds and/or chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbon compounds contained in the environment can be removed at a low temperature by using the novel strain JMC1 without using any inducer substances.

Abstract: Novel microorganism strains JM2N (FERM BP-5961), JM6U (FERM BP-5962) and JM7 (FERM BP-5975), mutants of strain J1 (FERM BP-5102), constitutively expressing an oxygenase, and a method for biodegradation of organic compounds and a method for environmental remediation by decomposing pollutants in the environment using these novel microorganisms. These microorganisms do not require any inducer to express their organic compound-degrading ability, and use of these microorganisms enables effective decomposition of organic compounds and environment remediation.

Abstract: A carrier for holding a microorganism in soil releases, from a constituting material thereof, an inducer for production of an enzyme of the microorganism for soil remediation. The carrier for holding a microorganism may comprise a combination of a microorganism holding carrier composed of a hydrophilic polymer for holding the microorganism with an inducer-holder composed of another polymer for holding inducer manifesting a biological action to the microorganism adjacent to each other. A method for remediation of soil comprises application of the microorganism-holding carrier into the soil. A soil-remedying agent comprises the microorganism-holding carrier and a microorganism held thereon which exhibits enzyme activity for decomposition of a polluting substance in the soil under action an inducer released by the carrier.

Abstract: An organic compound is biodegraded using JM1 (FERM BP-5352) by contacting the JM1 with an organic compound and culturing the JM1 in a medium including source of conjugated carbon which is citric acid, maleic acid or a salt thereof.

Abstract: A bacterial strain J1 (FERM BP-5102) which can effectively degrade aromatic compounds and/or chlorinated organic compounds such as trichloroethylene (TCE) is disclosed. Also the degradation occurs at a lower temperature such as 15.degree.. Further, a method for purifying waste water, soil or a gas polluted with the above chemical compounds utilizing the bacterium is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for remedying polluted soil which comprises the steps of injecting a liquid agent containing a microorganism into the polluted soil, and injecting a gas into a region wherein the water content of the soil became 0.6 or more times its saturation water content after the injection of the liquid agent. Using this method bioremediation of contaminated soil can be economically and efficiently carried out.

Abstract: A method of biodegradation of a polluting substance by a microorganism is disclosed, wherein the microorganism is an auxotrophic microorganism and the action of the auxotrophic microorganism is controlled by the amount of a required nutrient for the auxotrophic microorganism. A carrier for supporting an auxotrophic microorganism for use for biodegradation contains a required nutrient for the auxotrophic microorganism.