Northern Michigan University, Chemistry, Marquette, MI 49855
Bisphenol A (2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane; BPA) is a monomer commonly used to create polycarbonate and epoxy resins and is frequently found in the runoff from landfills, as a contaminate in food from the lining of cans, and in industrial waste. Inside the body, BPA acts as an endocrine disruptor by mimicking estrogen and has been shown to cause abnormal sexual development in some animals. For these reasons, it is important that an economical and environmentally friendly method for BPA degradation be developed. To this end, Little Bluestem seeds were examined for their ability to metabolize BPA during germination in a process known as phytoremediation. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the amount of BPA in a standard solution incubated with and without the presence of Little Bluestem seeds showed a reduction of 99% in the quantity of BPA in the solutions exposed to Little Bluestem seeds after seven days. The process of BPA metabolism is believed to occur outside of the seeds and sprouts via enzymes exuded by the seedlings. Peroxidase activity was demonstrated in Little Bluestem seed exudate in our samples during the time when BPA was degraded. Other possible enzyme family candidates include polyphenol oxidases and are the subject of ongoing investigations.
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