Simultaneous Biodegradation of Phenol and n-Hexadecane by Cryogel Immobilized Biosurfactant Producing Strain Rhodococcus wratislawiensis BN38

• Main Authors: Alexander E. Hristov, Nelly E. Christova, Lyudmila V. Kabaivanova, Lilyana V. Nacheva, Ivanka B. Stoineva, Petar D. Petrov
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Exeley Inc. 2016-08-01
• Series: Polish Journal of Microbiology
• Subjects: Rhodococcus sp.; biodegradation; immobilization; n-hexadecane; phenol
• Online Access: https://www.exeley.com/exeley/journals/polish_journal_of_microbiology/65/3/pdf/10.5604_17331331.1215608.pdf

The capability of the biosurfactant-producing strain Rhodococcus wratislawiensis BN38 to mineralize both aromatic and aliphatic xeno­biotics was proved. During semicontinuous cultivation 11 g/l phenol was completely degraded within 22 cycles by Rhodococcus free cells. Immobilization in a cryogel matrix was performed for the first time to enhance the biodegradation at multiple use. A stable simultaneous hydrocarbon biodegradation was achieved until the total depletion of 20 g/l phenol and 20 g/l n-hexadecane (40 cycles). The alkanotrophic strain R. wratislawiensis BN38 preferably degraded hexadecane rather than phenol. SEM revealed well preserved cells entrapped in the heterogeneous super-macroporous structure of the cryogel which allowed unhindered mass transfer of xenobiotics. The immobilized strain can be used in real conditions for the treatment of contaminated industrial waste water