Isolation of Phenol by degrading micro-organisms from sludge

Fazel Najafi Yasouri and Seyedeh Zahra Shams Shoaei

Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Guilan University, P.O. Box 1974, Rasht (Iran)

ABSTRACT: Degradation of Phenol compounds because of its wide range usage, is one of the most important facts that most of industries are dealing with it. Various methods including Physical, Chemical and Biological, have been used for reducing the pollution of environment. Because of economical and safty factors; Biological methods could be preferable. In this study, micro-organisms capable to use phenol as their sole source of carbon and energy, were isolated from enrichment cultures. 5 gr of industrial sludge were added to individual 250ml Erlen meyer flasks each contain 100ml of sterile Mineral Salt Medium (MSM). The pH was adjusted to 7 with NaOH and different concentrations of Phenol in the range of 0.1 ml ,0.2 ml, 0.3 ml & 0.5ml were added to flasks. Control flasks without inoculum were also prepared. Pure culture of Phenol degrading bacteria, mold and yeasts were isolated by plating out on Mineral salt Agar Medium containing 0.1% concentration of Phenol. From the result of microscopic observation and growth characteristics as well as biochemical tests and fermentative characteristics of isolated bacteria, seems to be gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, some molds and yeasts.

KEYWORDS: Biodegradation; bacteria; mold; phenol; yeast; sludge

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