Biodegradation of Phenol by Acclimatized Pseudomonas putida Cells Using Glucose as an Added Growth Substrate

Abstract

Biodegradation of phenol, a pollutant derived from many industrial processes, was achieved through acclimatized Pseudomonas putida cells. The strategy to overcome the inhibitory effect of phenol on microbial growth involved the addition of glucose, a conventional carbon source. A factorial experimental design was employed in order to optimize the initial phenol and glucose concentrations. The optimum conditions found were applied in 2-lt bioreactors. The development of acclimatized cells and the use of glucose as an added growth substrate resulted in a significant phenol degradation rate of 60.7 mg L⁻¹ h⁻¹ with a complete removal of 1200 mg L⁻¹ phenol.

Keywords:

• Acclimatized cells
• Biodegradation
• Phenol
• Pseudomonas putida
• Substrate inhibition