Effect of Mycobacterium Sp. Strain CH1 and Mycobacterium Sp. Strain CH2 on the Degradation of Four-Ring Creosote Compounds

Abstract

The influence of nutrients, Mycobacterium sp. strain CH1 and Mycobacterium sp. strain CH2 on the degradation of aged creosote hydrocarbon contaminants was investigated. The Mycobacterium sp. strain CH2 showed the highest positive influence on the degradation of three- and four-ring PAH compounds. The addition of Mycobacterium sp. strain CH1 had the second highest measured positive influence on the degradation of four-ring compounds. Soluble nitrogen and phosphorus also increased the degradation of aged creosote compounds in the contaminated soil. The addition of bacteria decreased the number of measured bacterial species, indicating competition for limited nutrients in the soil.

Key Words:

• Bioremediation
• Biodegradation
• Creosote
• Mycobacterium

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors would like to thank the Alabama Legacy for the Environment Research Trust for providing funding for this project and the American Association of University Women for financial support.