Decomposition of 14C-labelled lignin and phenols by a Nocardia sp.

A Gram-positive bacterium which was isolated from a Finnish soil and identified as a Nocardia sp., was able to decompose lignin and to assimilate lignin degradation products as a carbon source. It could release 14CO2 from 14C-labelled methoxyl groups, side chains or ring carbons of coniferyl alcohol dehydropolymers (DHP) and from specifically 14C-labelled lignin of plant material. Furthermore, it could release 14CO2 from phenolcarboxylic and cinnamic acids and alcohols labelled in the OCH3, COOH groups, side chain or aromatic ring carbons.