Microbial Degradation of Phenanthrene in a Constructed Wetland

Abstract

The removal of phenanthrene was investigated in a horizontal-vertical flow, constructed wetland (Aquaplant®), designed by Umweltschutz Nord GmbH & Co. Contamination of the system with a two component “artificial wastewater” (phenanthrene / Tween80®) lead to the establishment of a specialized microbial population capable of degrading phenanthrene. Besides phenanthrene, a typical bacterial phenanthrene metabolite, 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid, was detected and quantified. Laboratory scale ¹⁴C-phenanthrene mineralization experiments confirmed the degradation potential of the system.

Keywords:

• biodegradation
• PAH
• phenanthrene
• constructed wetland