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The ability of Achromobacter sp. KW1 strain to biodegrade isomers of chlorotoluene
Author(s) -
Pacholak Amanda,
Smułek Wojciech,
Jesionowski Teofil,
Kaczorek Ewa
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of chemical technology and biotechnology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.64
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1097-4660
pISSN - 0268-2575
DOI - 10.1002/jctb.5221
Subject(s) - biodegradation , bacteria , strain (injury) , chlorine atom , chemistry , chlorine , achromobacter , pseudomonas , organic chemistry , biology , medicinal chemistry , genetics , anatomy
Background The isomers of chlorotoluene (2‐chlorotoluene, 3‐chlorotoluene and 4‐chlorotoluene) are considered to be toxic and to have a negative impact on humans and the environment. Therefore, issues related to their removal from the natural environment have become of increasing interest. Results The morphology of cells and colonies after long‐term metabolic stress was significantly modified. Metabolic stress is suggested to be a determinant of bacteria cell surface properties. The chlorine atom position in chlorotoluenes has a strong impact on cell surface modification. When the chlorine atom was at the ortho or para position, a large increase in hydrophobicity (from 40% to 73% and from 29% to 49%, respectively) and a decrease in the inner membrane permeability (from 0.31 to 0.24 µmol L −1 min −1 and from 0.52 to 0.13 µmol L −1 min −1 ) were observed. Moreover, Achromobacter sp. KW1 strain was found to exhibit good ability to degrade chlorotoluenes. The greatest difference in biodegradation between the stressed and non‐stressed strains was observed for the cultures grown on 4‐chlorotoluene and 3‐chlorotoluene. Conclusions Both long‐term contact with hydrocarbons and the addition of surfactants demonstrated a beneficial effect on the biodegradation process. However, as a result of long‐term contact with hydrocarbons, the bacteria studied were able to degrade chlorotoluenes faster and more effectively. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry