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Environment Canada has listed Pentachlorphenol (PCP) as one of this country’s major environmental pollutants. It is a very stable chemical compound that is capable of contaminating soil, air and water. Historically, the chemical has been released into the environment in large quantities as both a wood preserver and a farm pesticide. The effects of PCP range from causing cancer, to immunodeficiency and neurological disorders. One of the challenges in getting rid of PCPs is its long biodegradation process. Dr. Yang is researching the use of Sphingobioum chlorophenoicium, a soil bacterium (enzyme), as a biodegradation pathway. His research will attempt to prove that this bacterium (one that must be stored in a freezer at extremely low temperatures) may be more efficient in the PCP biodegradation process. The higher efficiency achieved in the process would, in turn, shorten the length of time it would take to reclaim contaminated material.

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