Open AccessSearch of Microorganisms that Degrade PAHs under Alkaline Conditions
Author(s) -
Gerbeth A.,
Krausse S.,
Gemende B.,
Müller R.H.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
engineering in life sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.547
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1618-2863
pISSN - 1618-0240
DOI - 10.1002/elsc.200420034
Subject(s) - bioremediation , biodegradation , micrococcus , microorganism , rhodococcus , pseudomonas , environmental chemistry , bacteria , degradation (telecommunications) , chemistry , contamination , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , organic chemistry , ecology , telecommunications , genetics , computer science
Bacterial strains were enriched from building rubble contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These strains were studied as an inoculum in bioremediation processes with contaminated building rubble. The selection criteria for the bacteria were broad profiles in PAH degradation, stable expression of the traits and tolerance to alkaline conditions. Various strains of Micrococcus sp., Dietzia sp., Rhodococcus sp. and Pseudomonas sp. met the selection criteria. In general, degradative activity was limited at higher pH values. Strains of Micrococcus were suitable for practical use as complete degradation of various PAHs was observed at pH values exceeding 10. Strains of Dietzia sp. showed broad PAH degradation profile, but in some cases degradation came to a halt leaving some of the PAHs unutilized. With Dietzia sp. this could be due to inhibitory effects from the accumulation of toxic PAH metabolic products and/or growth‐limiting media conditions.