Aerobic Biodegradation of DDT by Advenella Kashmirensis and Its Potential Use in Soil Bioremediation

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to select a bacterial strain able to degrade 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl) ethane (DDT), and to use it for bioaugmentation in order to decontamination soil. Advenella Kashmirensis MB-PR (A. Kashmirensis MB-PR) was isolated from DDT contaminated soil, and the degradation ability of DDT by this strain in the mineral salt medium was screened by gas chromatography. The efficiency of degradation was 81% after 30 days of bacterial growth. The study of intermediary products during the degradation of DDT showed the appearance and accumulation of DDD and DDE, which emerged from the first days of the experiment. Other metabolites were detected at a lower number of chlorine atoms, such as DBH. DNA samples were isolated and screened for the linA gene, encoding dehydrochlorinase. The bioaugmentation by A. Kashmirensis MB-PR of polluted sterile soil showed that 98% of DDT disappeared after 20 days of experience. This study demonstrates the significant potential use of A. Kashmirensis MB-PR for the bioremediation of DDT in the environment.

KEYWORDS:

• DDT
• Advenella Kashmirensis
• bioremediation
• biodegradation
• polluted sites

Acknowledgments

The authors contributed equally to this work. This work was supported by the Tunisian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by The ministery of higher education and scientific research in Tunisia. (UR17ES20).