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Anthracene biodegradation and surface activity by an iron-stimulated Pseudomonas sp

Authors :
Flávio Anastácio de Oliveira Camargo
Fatima Menezes Bento
Pedro Alberto Selbach
Eder da Costa dos Santos
Maria do Carmo Ruaro Peralba
Rodrigo Josemar Seminoti Jacques
Enilson Luiz Saccol de Sá
Source :
Bioresource technology. 99(7)
Publication Year :
2006

Abstract

Iron may enhance polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) degradation directly by increasing the activity of the enzymes involved in the aerobic biodegradation pathways for hydrocarbons, and indirectly by increasing the PAHs bioavailability due to the stimulation of biosurfactant production. In the present work, the PAH anthracene was used in order to study the effect of different forms and concentrations of iron on its biodegradation and surfactant production by Pseudomonas spp. isolates from a 14-years old petrochemical sludge landfarm site. Among the iron forms, iron nitrate was chosen based on its high solubility and effect on the increase in the growth of the isolate. Iron concentration of 0.1 mM was selected as the limit between deficiency and toxicity for isolates growth and anthracene degradation. After 48 days Pseudomonas citronellolis isolate 222A degraded 72% of anthracene related to iron stimulation and surface tension decrease, indicating surfactant production. Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolate 332C was iron-stimulated but did not reduce surface tension while P. aeruginosa isolate 312A exhibited a noniron and surfactant dependence to degrade 72% of anthracene. Isolate 222A showed a direct dependence on iron to stimulate surfactant activity, which probably increased anthracene bioavailability. To our knowledge, this is the first report about the iron effect on anthracene degradation and surfactant production by a Pseudomonas sp. Based on the iron requirement and surfactant activity, the Pseudomonas isolates may be useful for bioremediation of PAHs.

Details

ISSN :
09608524
Volume :
99
Issue :
7
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Bioresource technology
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....1692d07aaa144c15d6293477751c292c