Microbial degradation of phenol by locally isolated soil bacteria

*Zia Ur Rahman Awan^1,2 Abdul Haleem Shah¹ and Mohammad Amjad¹

¹Department of Biological Sciences, Gomal University Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan

²Department of Zoology, Govt. Postgraduate College Bannu, Pakistan

*Corresponding Author’s Email: ziabiotech78@yahoo.com; 

Tel: +92 333 9731178; +92 966 750273

Accepted 25 January, 2013

Abstract

Phenol compounds are extensively sprinkled in nature so phenol is normally liberated because it is intermediate in the metabolism of microorganism through the decay of wood materials. The normal delivery of phenol containing substances become gravely enhanced as a result of the discharge of manufacturing by-product into the surroundings. Wastes delivers from textile, petrochemical as well as coal industries contain phenol derivatives in very lofty attention consequently it is an obligation to get rid of phenol containing compounds from the surroundings. Among a variety of procedures existing for elimination of phenols, biodegradation is an atmosphere gracious and outlay efficient method. The present study was conducted to take advantage of the potential of locally isolated soil bacteria to degrade phenol. The isolates obtained from different soils were grown on nutrient agar plates, nutrient broth and mineral salt media. Mineral salt media was used for the degradation of phenol. Phenol degradation was examined along with dry cell weight. The locally isolated soil bacteria were made potent up to 2.5 g/100 ml phenol concentration. These bacteria were examined for their degrade ability by revealing them to different temperatures and 35^oC was found as the optimum temperature for the degradation of phenol and 20^oC or 50^oC were minimum. The ability of bacterium to degrade phenol at different pH was also observed. Maximum degradation was recorded at pH 7 and the pH below 4 or above 9 was examined as minimum. Ability to degrade phenol by locally isolated soil bacteria was also examined by trying different shaking speeds compared to stationary phase. The speed of 120 rpm was found to be the optimum. Shaking speed of 80 rpm and 160 rpm were no more effective.

Keywords: Agar plates, degradation, phenol, soil bacteria.

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