Effect of surfactants, dispersion and temperature on solubility and biodegradation of phenanthrene in aqueous media

In the present study surfactant addition with the help of either a mechanical dispersion or a thermal treatment was applied in order to increase the solubility and the bioavailability of phenanthrene in aqueous media, and therefore to promote its biodegradation. Among four tested surfactants (Tween 80, Brij 30, sodium dodecyl sulphate and rhamnolipids), Brij 30 (0.5 g L−1) showed the best results allowing us to attain about 20 mg L−1 of soluble phenanthrene. An additional thermal treatment at 60 °C for 24 h, 200 rpm permitted to increase the solubility of phenanthrene in the presence of Brij 30 (0.5 g L−1) to about 30 mg L−1. Higher dispersions of phenanthrene particles as well as the reduction of their size were obtained using Ultra-Turrax and French press. The biodegradation of phenanthrene by Pseudomonas putida was then investigated. The reduction of size of phenanthrene particles by mechanical dispersion did not influence its biodegradation, suggesting that P. putida consumed only soluble phenanthrene. The addition of Brij 30 (0.5 g L−1) permitted to obtain more phenanthrene metabolized. The use of Brij 30 coupled with a transitory heating of phenanthrene-containing medium at 60 °C led to an even more complete biodegradation. This might be a promising way to enhance biodegradation of PAHs.

Research highlights
► Effect of surfactants, dispersion and temperature on availability of phenanthrene.
► Phenanthrene biodegradation by Pseudomonas putida.
► Biodegradation was not influenced by the size of phenanthrene particles.
► The addition of Brij 30 resulted in more phenanthrene metabolized.
► The use of Brij 30 with a transitory heating led to a more complete degradation.