Abstract: A genetically modified houseplant capable of reducing levels of volatile organic carcinogenic compounds, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and chloroform, in the indoor air in urban homes of developed countries is disclosed. The plant expresses a detoxifying transgene, mammalian cytochrome P450 2e, and has shown sufficient detoxifying activity against benzene and chloroform. Air purifying biofilters utilizing the plants and methods of their use are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention pertains to substantially purified cultures of a gram-negative, aerobic, filamentous bacterium with cells ranging in length from 20-200 .mu.m, that accumulates intracellular poly-.beta.-hydroxybutyrate in intracellular granules, and that degrades chlorinated aliphatic compounds such as trichloroethylene and dichloroethylene, as well as phenol and other substituted benzenes. The invention includes the representative strain A-1, which has been deposited at the American Type Culture Collection under the accession number 55581. Also included are methods for using the new bacterium for bioremediation of contaminated environmental sites.

Abstract: A gas permeable membrane divides a reactor vessel into a liquid compartment and a gas compartment. A biofilm is grown on the gas permeable membrane on the liquid side of the membrane. Teh gas permeable membrane is supported by the structure of the membrane itself. The biofilm is chosen from bacteria to degrade cetain pollutants by means of anaerobic fermentation, aerobic heterotrophic oxidation, dehalogenation, and hydrocarbon oxidation. This is accomplished by means of oxygen and alternate gases (i.e., methane) through the gas permeable membrane to certain bacteria growing on the liquid side of the gas permeable membrane.