Biodegradation of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate by a two-member facultative anaerobic bacterial consortium

A bacterial consortium capable of degrading the linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) was isolated from the wastewater treatment plant. The bacterial consortium consisted of two members, Pantoea agglomerans and Serratia odorifera 2. Cells were grown evenly together in a minimal medium (M9) and nutrient broth (NB). The bacterial consortium was able to grow in the minimal medium containing LAS as the only carbon source. The percentage degradation of 200 ppm LAS by this bacterial consortium was better when cells were grown in NB (∼70%) than in the M9 medium (36%). Also, the degradation ability by the bacterial consortium was very much higher than by its individual cells. This work shows that the two bacteria complement each other in the degrading ability of LAS, indicating catabolic cooperation between the two consortium members. An incubation temperature of 32 °C, an agitation rate of 250 rev min−1, and the addition of different carbon and nitrogen sources all independently caused complete mineralization of 200 mg L−1 LAS within 48–72 h.