Mechanisms of Biohalogenation and Dehalogenation (Verhandelingen, Afd. Natuurkunde, Tweede reeks / Koninklijke Nederlandse Akademie van Wetenschappen)

This book is concerned with the presence, biosynthesis and breakdown of various naturally occurring organohalogens. It is biochemically oriented and the current status and future prospects of biochemical halogenation and dehalogenation reactions are discussed. In particular the book focuses on the properties and mechanisms of the different ennzymes involved and there is a detailed discussion on the structure-function relationship between the various dehalogenases. Also the potential and commercial applications of the enzymes involved in the biosynthesis and the use of micro-organisms in the detoxification of soils contaminated with organohalogens are reviewed. The book is the first concise overview on enzymic mechanisms rather than detailed descriptions of the sources and analysis of the halogenated products.