Abstract: A method of biotreating a solid material to remove an undesired compound using a nonstirred surface bioreactor is provided. According to the method the surface of a plurality of coarse substrates is coated with a solid material to be biotreated to form a plurality of coated coarse substrates. The coarse substrates have a particle size greater than about 0.3 cm and the solid material to be biotreated has a particle size less than about 250 .mu.m. A nonstirred surface reactor is then formed by stacking the plurality of coated coarse substrates into a heap or placing the plurality of coated coarse substrates into a tank so that the void volume of the reactor is greater than or equal to about 25%. The reactor is inoculated with a microorganism capable of degrading the undesired compound in the solid material, and the solid material is then biotreated in the surface bioreactor until the undesired compound in the solid material is degraded to a desired concentration.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and microbial cultures for the bioremediation of organic halide contaminated groundwater contaminated with organic halides, such as di- and trichloroethene. The methods involve adding, in situ to organic halide-contaminated groundwater a carbohydrate and one or more reductive dehalogenation factors, usually in the form of a nutrient extract, both in amounts sufficient to permit in situ reductive dehalogenation of the organic halide by a microbial population. The microbial population may be endogenous to the ground water or added exogenously. The nutrient-enriched ground water is then maintained in situ under reducing conditions to reductively dehalogenate the contaminating organic halide. Enriched bioremediation cultures are produced by adding to organic halide contaminated groundwater which comprises an endogenous microbial population capable of reductive dehalogenation of the organic halide a carbohydrate and frequently, one or more reductive dehalogenation factors.

Abstract: A waste material separating method and apparatus a number of sequential processes the separate paper, plastic, glass, wood, and metals from waste materials. Bulk materials are manually removed from conveyors. Screening machines separate fine from course materials. Fine organic materials are transported to a composting area or to a digester to generate gas used fuel to produce thermal energy. A shredder cuts the course materials which mixed and pressed into pellets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting waste gases from industrial processes such as oil refining, carbon black, coke, ammonia, and methanol production, into useful products is disclosed. The method includes introducing the waste gases into a bioreactor where they are fermented to various product, such as organic acids, alcohols H.sub.2, SCP, and salts of organic acids by anaerobic bacteria within the bioreactor. These valuable end products are then recovered, separated and purified.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for the biotreatment of wastewater from pulping industries. Sulfides are removed by a number of strains of bacteria from the genus Thiobacillus or Thiobacillus denitrificans. COD and BOD are concurrently removed with the sulfides by an improved co-cultural blend comprising co-cultures of a number of strains of the Thiobacillus or Thiobacillus denitrificans bacteria with heterotrophs. At least approximately 20%, and preferably between approximately 40% and approximately 60%, of the improved co-cultural blend comprises the co-cultures of a number of strains of the Thiobacillus or Thiobacillus denitrificans bacteria with the heterotrophs. Acclimation of the heterotrophs to the species to be removed is accomplished with biological acclimation reactors which reduce mycell toxicity for the heterotrophs. To control pH of the heterotrophic reaction with inorganic and organic sulfides, magnesium oxide (MgO) is utilized along with caustic.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of determining the ratio of the concentration or amounts of two or more chemical compounds and/or biopolymers, or of the relative amounts of sub-populations of closely structurally related compounds, in a multi-component mixture, extract, system, and the like using an analytical physicochemical process. The method is based on distribution of the components of the mixture (system, extract, etc.) between two or more immiscible phases and the subsequent determination of the total amounts (concentrations) of biopolymers (chemical compounds) or of the amounts (concentrations) of one or more component(s) or sub-populations of the system in the phases. The ratio between these concentrations is defined therein as the partition coefficient. The partition coefficient is used as a measure of the ratio of the amounts of two or more biopolymers (chemical compounds) or their sub-populations in a multi-component mixture (extract, system, etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of degrading organic sulfur compounds, in which organic sulfur compounds are decomposed by a microorganism belonging to the genus Paenibacillus and having the ability to decompose organic sulfur compounds. Heterocyclic sulfur compounds can be decomposed by specifically cleaving their C--S bonds under high-temperature conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of production for a fermentation product, in which ripe compost is subjected to treatment with worms, bacteria and fungi, after which the fermentation product is dug off, and, if necessary, ground and sifted. After digging off the product, it can be pre-dehydrated at a temperature below 50 .degree. C., if one so wishes, then --if necessary--it can be ground and sifted, and be subjected to desiccation, during which the temperature of the fermentation product does not rise above 30.degree. C. during the desiccation process. Ripe compost, consisting of vegetable, fruit and garden waste, is especially suitable as basic material. If one so wishes, the fermentation product can be pelleted before desiccation. The pellets can, for example, be used as floor cover in animal pens or as cat's box litter. The non-dried product is especially suitable as a supplement for garden and pot-plant soil.

Abstract: Degradable polyesters useful in packaging, packing, agricultural, biomedical, and other applications are made by reacting amine-protected glutamic acid with diols or epoxy compounds. The polyesters include a thermoplastic main chain aliphatic polyester, a thermoset heterochain polyester and a thermoset heterochain aromatic polyester. Each of these polyesters can be hydrolyzed into monomers using a biological catalyst such as the enzyme lipase. The thermoplastic main chain aliphatic polyester and the thermoset heterochain polyester can be degraded to respiratory gases and biomass with a mixed culture of Rhizopus chinesis, Rhizopus delemar, Penecillium pinophilum, Aspergillus niger and Pseudomonas aeruginosa microorganisms. This mixed culture of microorganisms can also be used to degrade other polyesters containing hydrolyzable backbone polyesters.

Abstract: A process for pre-emptive potential in bioremediation of oil spills comprising the steps of fabricating cells of micro-organisms capable of degrading hydrocarbons, encapsulating the cells into pods dissolvable in a non-hydrocarbon environment such as water, introducing the pods into a body of petroleum contained in a vessel which if unintentionally fractured to release the body of petroleum into the non-hydrocarbon environment will also release the cells, causing the cells to open and allow the micro-organism to degrade the hydrocarbon and consume the oil spill. The process may also include the step of recovering pods which are not released into the non-hydrocarbon environment from the body of petroleum.

Abstract: Solid waste management has been primarily based on collection of solid waste and placing most of it in a landfill. Present invention eliminates a need for large landfills by integrating collection and transportation of solid waste with separation, treatment, processing, recovery, and reuse of solid waste prior to landfill application. Since untreated organic waste is eliminated or significantly reduced from solid waste stream, present invention eliminates a need for daily cover and working front of landfills resulting in elimination of extensive leachate and gas management systems and associated potential groundwater and air pollution problems.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for carrying out the process for the biological treatment of organic wastes. In order to achieve more effective treatment of the material, in a horizontally oriented reactor, a circulating agitator is disposed which causes circulation of the material with simultaneous advance. The material is leached via spray arms, with simultaneous intense aeration of the material to generate an aerobic biological degradation process.

Abstract: Alkane-utilizing bacteria are used to degrade pollutants comprising petroleum compounds. In-situ or ex-situ techniques may be used to reduce or eliminate petroleum pollutants from liquid, gas and solid sources. In a preferred embodiment, petroleum concentrations in various environments are reduced by contacting the petroleum pollutants with butane-utilizing bacteria in the presence of oxygen to degrade the petroleum pollutants by cometabolism or direct metabolism. Suitable alkane-utilizing bacteria include Pseudomonas, Variovorax, Nocardia, Chryseobacterium, Comamonas, Acidovorax, Rhodococcus, Aureobacterium, Micrococcus, Aeromonas, Stenotrophomonas, Sphingobacterium, Shewanella, Phyllobacterium, Clavibacter, Alcaligenes, Gordona, Corynebacterium and Cytophaga.

Abstract: A method of biooxidizing sulfide minerals in a nonstirred bioreactor is provided. According to the disclosed method, a concentrate of sulfide minerals is coated onto a plurality of substrates, such as coarse ore particles, lava rock, gravel or rock containing a small amount of mineral carbonate as a source of CO.sub.2 for the biooxidizing bacteria. After the sulfide minerals are coated or spread onto the plurality of substrates, a heap is formed with the coated substrates or the coated substrates are placed within a tank. The sulfide minerals on the surface of the plurality of coated substrates are then biooxidized to liberate the metal value of interest. Depending on the particular ore deposit being mined, the sulfide mineral concentrates used in the process may comprise sulfide concentrates from precious metal bearing refractory sulfide ores or they may comprise sulfide concentrates from metal sulfide type ores, such as chalcopyrite, pyrite or sphalorite.

Abstract: It has been discovered that an enzyme produced by Spartina alterniflora degrades halogenated organics. The present invention is therefore the use of the enzyme produced by genes of this plant to remediate soils contaminated with halogenated organics such as TCE, and to genetically alter other plants to produce this enzyme using the gene that produces plant dehaloperoxidase.

Abstract: A combination of treatment methods are provided for treatment of heterogeneous waste including: (1) treatment for any organic compounds present; (2) removal of metals from the waste; and, (3) bulk volume reduction, with at least two of the three treatment methods employed and all three treatment methods emplyed where suitable.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the enzymatic degradation of polyester amides. The method involves mixing polyester amides with esterase or protease enzymes in aqueous solution.

Abstract: A microorganism belonging to the genus Staphylococcus or the genus Streptomyces which is capable of degrading a polylactic acid resin. A method of degrading a polylactic acid resin including a step of culturing a microorganism capable of degrading a polylactic acid resin in a medium containing a polylactic acid resin. In particular, the microorganisms Streptomyces violaceusniger FERM BP-6110 and Streptomyces cyaneus FERM BP-6111 are used.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for cleaning and de-oiling metal parts and then degrading the removed oils or other organic compounds in an environmentally-friendly manner. The compositions generally contain surfactants to remove the oils and enzymes to degrade the oils. Generally, both aliphatic and aromatic compounds normally present in standard oils, lubricants, cutting oils, and greases are removed from the metal parts (i.e., "solubilized") by surfactants (although the enzymes may also assist in this process) and then ultimately broken down into relatively short-chain fatty acids by enzymes, both processes being carried out in an aqueous medium. The surfactants include (a) one or more alkylphenol ethoxylates; (b) one or more alkaline metal salts of an alkane sulfonic acid; and (c) one or more alkanolamines in aqueous solution. Suitable enzymes include monomethanoxigenase, alcoholdehydrogenase, and aldehydehydrogenase.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for enhanced bioremediation of hydrocarbons removed from a contaminated object comprising: (a) a basin for cleansing said hydrocarbon-contaminated object, said basin having a means for introducing a recycling bioremediating cleaning solution (NATURES WAY PC.TM.) for washing said object, a means for draining said solution from said basin into a biochamber reservoir and a means for screening particles from said solution upon entry into said reservoir; and (b) said reservoir having a means for temperature control between 90.degree. to 112.degree. F., means for aerating said solution, means for agitating said solution, an outlet means to a plurality of filters for filtering said solution, an inlet means from said filters and means for removing filtered sediments.

Abstract: Solid form compositions for the treatment of natural bodies of water comprisingA) a quantity of beneficial aerobic microorganisms that will control at least one of an organic pollutant, an algae, and a weed in at least a portion of said body of water; andB) a growth accelerator for component A); wherein the solid form composition weighs at least about 85 grams.

Abstract: A process for biodegradation of an amine compound by contacting the amine mpound with a consortium of microorganisms effective for consuming carbon and nitrogen components of the amine compound under aerobic conditions, wherein the enzymatically degraded the amine compound forms an ammonia residue, nitrifying the ammonia residue under aerobic conditions, wherein the ammonia residue forms nitrite and nitrate residues and denitrifying the compound with the addition of a supplementary carbon source under anoxic conditions. The amine compound may be DS2 or similar amine structures. The microorganisms include Bacillus circulans, the genera Nitrosomonas, and the genera Nitrobacter. The process is a continuous-fed process in a bioreactor. A composition of microorganisms comprising Bacillus circulans, the genera Nitrosomonas, the genera Nitrobacter, and facultative heterotrophic denitrifiers effective to degrade DS2 also is disclosed.

Abstract: An efficient method for decontaminating soil containing organic explosives ("TNT" and others) in the form of solid portions or chunks which are not ordinarily subject to effective bacterial degradation. The contaminated soil is treated by delivering an organic solvent to the soil which is capable of dissolving the explosives. This process makes the explosives more bioavailable to natural bacteria in the soil which can decompose the explosives. An organic nutrient composition is also preferably added to facilitate decomposition and yield a compost product. After dissolution, the explosives are allowed to remain in the soil until they are decomposed by the bacteria. Decomposition occurs directly in the soil which avoids the need to remove both the explosives and the solvents (which either evaporate or are decomposed by the bacteria). Decomposition is directly facilitated by the solvent pre-treatment process described above which enables rapid bacterial remediation of the soil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biological process for regenerating metal-containing sulfide mitigation catalysts that are commonly known in the natural gas processing industry as liquid redox catalysts. The invention further relates to a sulfide mitigation process wherein mitigation and regeneration are performed in a single reactor under substantially anaerobic conditions. The present invention also relates to a self regenerating catalyst composition for the mitigation of sulfides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to two processes for the treatment of antimicrobially, in particular antibacterially, acting quinolone- and naphthyridonecarboxylic acids and derivatives thereof with wood rot fungi, if appropriate in the presence of water and/or inert solid or liquid substrates and further auxiliaries.

Abstract: A process for treating aqueous effluents that contain ethyl-tert-butyl ether (ETBE) to reduce the ETBE concentration is described, characterized in that in the presence of effluents, at least one bacterium that is selected from the group that is formed by Gordona terrae CIP I-1889 and Rhodococcus equi CIP I-2053 and in the presence of at least one bacterium that is selected from the group that is formed by Pseudomonas cepacia CIP 1-2052, Arthrobacter globiformis ATCC 53596, Bacillus coagulans ATCC 53595, Pseudomonas stutzerii ATCC 53602 and Mycobacterium vaccae JOB5 are grown to degrade essentially all of the ETBE. The concentration of ETBE in the effluent is equal to at most 1500 mg/L. Application for the water treatment industry.

Abstract: Animal feed compositions and methods for treating one or more of soy, pea or rape-seed, or other material derived from Fabales or Cruciferaceae, with an enzyme having rhamnogalacturonase activity, wherein the enzyme having rhamnogalacturonase activity cleaves a rhamnogalacturonan backbone to produce rhamnose as a non-reducing end (RGase II) or cleaves a rhamnogalaturonan backbone to produce galacturonic acid as a non-reducing end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a haloperoxidase in combination with a hydrogen peroxide source for reducing the malodor emanating from soiled hygiene products. The invention also relates to hygiene products with reduced malodor in soiled state.

Abstract: A method and mixture for denitrifying aerobic bacterial compositions and for aerobic methods for biological treatment of aqueous systems polluted by nitrogen waste products. A mixture of and limited to bacillus bacteria are added to the treatment subject. Optionally enzymes can be added to the mixture. Optionally a particulate carbon ingredient can be placed into the treatment subject. Optionally a living tissue ingredient can be used.

Abstract: Methods for identifying organisms capable of degrading fumonisin. Fumonisin can be incorporated into culture medium for selection of organisms resistant to fumonisin and/or capable of growing on fumonisin as a sole carbon source. Using this method, several organisms have been identified. These organisms can be used to isolate the enzymes and the genes responsible for conferring fumonisin-resistance. The gene can be cloned and inserted into a suitable expression vector so that the protein can be further characterized. Additionally, the DNA encoding for fumonisin degrading enzymes can be used to transform plant cells normally susceptible to Fusarium or other toxin-producing fungus infection. Plants can be regenerated from the transformed plant cells. In this way, a transgenic plant can be produced with the capability of degrading fumonisin, as well as with the capability of producing the degrading enzymes.

Abstract: Liquid chemical compositions are disclosed for anaerobic biodegradation, detoxification, and transformation of toxic organic and inorganic compounds in a contaminated geologic media under reducing conditions, including, but not limited to, denitrifying, manganese-reducing, iron-reducing and sulfate-reducing conditions. One such liquid chemical composition includes sodium nitrate in the range of one-fifth (0.2) to four (4) pounds per gallon of the chemical composition; sodium hexametaphosphate or other biologically hydrolyzable ring or linear polyphosphate in the range of one twentieth (0.05) to five (5) pounds per gallon of the chemical composition; a surfactant in the range of 0.01% to 10% by volume of the chemical composition; and a diluent in the form of water. A method is disclosed for anaerobic biodegradation, detoxification, and transformation of toxic organic and inorganic compounds in a contaminated geologic media.

Abstract: An isolate from the surface of apple leaves, Pseudomonas syringae pv. lachrymans having the deposited accession number NRRL B-18739, exhibits antifungal properties. The organisms have utility in methods for controlling postharvest disease in agricultural commodities caused by fungal pathogens.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for control and treatment of ammonia (NH.sub.3), oxides of nitrogen (NO.sub.x) or volatile organic compounds (VOC) emitted in a gaseous form from various processes where these compounds are used, present or formed. The gaseous emissions may be comprised of NH.sub.3, NO.sub.x or VOC individually or as a mixture of these compounds and other gaseous substances such as air, organic vapors and other organic or inorganic gases. The control and treatment method involves simultaneous liquid scrubbing and biochemical decomposition of NH.sub.3, NO.sub.x or VOC or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Novel .alpha.-amylase enzymes are disclosed in which one or more disulfide bonds are introduced into the enzyme via addition or substitution of a residue with a cysteine. The disclosed .alpha.-amylase enzymes show altered or improved stability and/or activity profiles.

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: Xanthan gum is purified by heat-treating a xanthan gum fermented broth, and consecutively treating the broth first with alkaline protease and then with lysozyme or in reverse order, and thereafter recovering xanthan gum from the treated broth. A clear aqueous solution of xanthan gum may be obtained without complex procedures. The xanthan gum is separated and purified and 0.3% aqueous solution of the purified xanthan gum has a transmittance of at least 80%.

Abstract: Contact lens are cleaned and disinfected by contacting with an enzyme that functions as a cleaning agent by degrading deposits on the lens, and with an enzyme inhibitor that inhibits remaining enzyme activity and a mild disinfecting agent. If rinsing of the lens is not carried out after cleaning and disinfecting, this procedure prevents eye damage by inhibiting remaining enzyme activity and using a mild disinfectant. Preferred enzymes are proteases such as an acidic aspartic protease, a cysteine protease, a serine protease or a metalloprotease, and preferred enzyme inhibitors function both as an inhibitor and as a mild disinfectant such as chloramine-T, chloramine-B, bacitracin or aryl boronic acids. In a preferred method, the enzyme is subtilisin A and the enzyme inhibitor and disinfectant is chloramine-T.

Abstract: A method is provided for reducing the shrinkage of wool comprising the steps of: (a) preparing an aqueous solution comprising an oxidase or a peroxidase; and (b) contacting a wool containing article with said aqueous solution under conditions suitable for reacting said oxidase or peroxidase with said wool.

Abstract: An anaerobic process of desulfurizing a sour natural gas stream wherein a selected consortium of chemoautotrophic bacteria converts H.sub.2 S and other sulfur species into elemental sulfur, which is recovered as a product. The process is conducted at pressures of up to 1000 psi and temperatures up to 140.degree. F. (10.degree. C. to 60.degree. C.), and mitigates up to 10,000 ppm H.sub.2 S to pipeline standards of .ltoreq.4 ppm and up to 10% CO.sub.2 to .ltoreq.2% CO.sub.2.

Abstract: A granular fertilizer which provides plant assimilatable nutrients by both hydrolysis and bacterial activity, and which includes biological growth promoting nutrients. The fertilizer is made by blending and pelletizing an aggregate of conventional fertilizing materials, biological food source materials and at least one hydrophilic material which expands upon wetting and becomes porous and wick-like upon heating to drive off absorbed water. In its dry state, the hydrophilic material wicks up applied liquid biological inoculum which remains dormant until dispensed and exposed to adequate heat and moisture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel ice nucleation active Xanthomonas strain and a bacterial ice nucleator comprising the ice nucleation active microorganism which can be applied for food processing and artificial snow making. The present inventors have screened ice nucleation active microorganisms from leaves of crops and plants, and investigated their ice-nucleation activities. As a result, the inventors discovered that a novel microorganism belonging to Xanthomonas campestris has a superior ice-nucleation activity than those of the conventional ice nucleation active microorganisms. Accordingly, the ice nucleation active microorganism of the invention can be used as a potent bacterial ice nucleator for food processing and artificial snow making.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biological control of plant diseases and concerns new Gliocladium catenulatum fungi and their use for controlling fungal infections in plants. The invention concerns also compositions comprising new strains of Gliocladium catenulatum and their use to said purpose.

Abstract: The invention relates to the unexpected discovery that the removal of the sulfinate group from an organosulfinate compound can be improved in the presence of an effective amount of a Lewis acid. The invention includes a method of removing the sulfinic acid functional group from an organosulfinic acid compound, comprising reacting the organosulfinic acid compound with an effective amount of a Lewis acid.

Abstract: A process for the aerobic biological break-down of substances having low water solubility in an aqueous medium, and a microorganism, Bacillus thermoleovorans strain DSM 10561 and an enzyme obtained therefrom are disclosed. The microorganism is suitable for use in the disclosed process wherein the bioavailability of the substances to be broken down is raised by setting the temperature of the aqueous medium to 45 degrees Celisus and higher. The microorganism is used to break-down the substances having low water solubility.

Abstract: Acrylamidase enzymes are provided which have acrylamidase activity at pH 4.0 which is at least 50% of their acrylamidase activity at pH 7.0. Such enzymes can be produced by the novel microorganisms Rhodococcus strains NCIMB 40889 and NCIMB 40755. Such enzymes and microorganisms can be used for reducing free acrylamide in polyacrylamides which are produced at low pH and in particular cationic and substantially non-ionic polyacrylamides.

Abstract: A microorganism holding carrier for a fluidized bed is provided that includes an extruded foamed article having continuous cells and independent cells. The article is composed of a polyolefin resin as a main component. The continuous cells include open-cells which are opened to at least two portions of a surface of the article and a semi-open cell which are opened to only one portion of the surface of the article. A ratio of the total volume of the continuous cells to the total volume of the extruded foamed article (a volume ratio of the continuous cells) falls within a range of from 20% to 70%. Further, a ratio of the total volume of the open-cells to the total volume of the continuous cells (a volume ratio of open-cells) is 20% or more. The article may have an apparent density of 0.90 to 1.80 g/cm.sup.3 and an apparent volume from 2.0.times.10.sup.-3 to 5.0 cm.sup.3, and be in the shape of a column, or a tube having an outer diameter of 2 to 20 mm and a thickness of 5 to 30% of the outer diameter.

Abstract: An enhanced strain of Pseudomonas celllulosa was obtained by introducing a recombinant genetic construct comprising a heterologous cellulase gene operably connected to a promoter into ATCC 55702, mutagenizing the transformants by treatment with MNNG, and selecting a high cellulase producing transformant. The transformant, designated Pseudomonas cellulosa ATCC XXXX, exhibits enhanced levels of cellulase production relative to the untransformed Pseudomonas cellulosa strain #142 ATCC 55702.

Abstract: A process for digesting solid waste material comprises collecting the waste from a first location in a solids digestion vessel and transporting it to a second location where a fluids digestion vessel is located. At least some of the fluid fraction from the fluids digestion vessel is fed to the solids digestion vessel so that anaerobic digestion of the solid waste occurs in the solids digestion vessel. At least some of the digested solid waste is recovered and the solids digestion vessel is preferably returned to the first location. The invention also provides apparatus for use in the process.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for treating an oil composition containing saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in the form of triglycerides, with at least some of the unsaturated fatty acids being polyunsaturated, in order to obtain a refined product with a higher concentration of the polyunsaturated fatty acids.

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.