Effect of Ph and Inoculum Size on Phenol Degradation by Pseudomonas Desmolyticum (NCIM 2028)

V.  Sridevi* and M. V. V. Chandana Lakshmi

Department of Chemical Engineering (Biotechnology), Andhra University, Visakhapatnam - 530 003 India.

Corresponding Auhtor E-mail: vellurusridevi@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT: Phenolic compounds are hazardous pollutants that are toxic relatively at low concentrations. Accumulation of phenol creates toxicity both for flora and fauna. Because of its toxicity, there is a need to decontaminate the phenol-laden soils hence, bioremediation is a very useful alternative to conventional clean-up methods. The aim of this work was to study the effect of inoculum size and the influence of pH on phenol degradation by Pseudomonas desmolyticum. Phenol was degraded rapidly at pH 5 to 9, but the maximum rate of phenol degradation by P. desmolyticum was at pH 6. In contrast, the phenol degradation at pH (pH 5, 7, 8 and 9) were significantly lower, although phenol was totally depleted. Phenol was degraded at every inoculum size tested (1 – 10% v/v) but the maximum rate of phenol degradation was observed at 4% v/v in batch experimental system.These results are useful to understand the physiological and biochemical properties of P. desmolyticum before its optimum use in environmental application and these data will assist in choosing the right phenol degrader for a changeable environment.

KEYWORDS: Biodegradation; inoculum size; pH; phenol; Pseudomonas desmolyticum

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