Microorganisms capable of degrading trichloroethylene(TCE) using phenol as a induction substrate were isolated from industrial effluents and soil. The strain MS-64K which had the highest biodegradability was identified as the genus Micrococcus. The optimal conditions of medium for the growth and biodegradation of trichloroethylene were observed as follows; the initial pH 7.0, trichloroethylene 1,000ppm as the carbon source, 0.2% (NH_4)_2SO_4 as the nitrogen source, respectively. Lag period and degradation time on optimal medium were shorter than those on isolation medium. Growth on the optimal medium was increased. Addition of 0.1% Triton X-100 increased the growth rate of Micrococcus sp. MS-64K, but degradation was equal to optimal medium. Trichloroethylene degradation by Micrococcus sp. MS-64K was shown to fit logarithmic model when the compound was added at initial concentration of 1,000ppm.

The biodegradable characteristics of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate(PHB) film by fungi and soil burial are investigated. As the results of the American Standards for Testing and Materials(ASTM) method, the growth of Aspergillus niger was apparent on the PHB containing plate. This suggests that PHB was utilized as the sole carbon source by Aspergillus niger and ASTM method may have applications as measuring means of biodegradability of polyhydroxyalkanoic acid(PHA). PHB film was studied by monitoring the time-dependant changes in weight loss of PHB film under 30℃ and relative humidity 80 % during pot-test. As the results of pot-test, PHB film was decomposed about 87 % in 30 days by soil microorganisms. PHB film was more slowly degraded than PHB/HV film.