Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
4365636 | International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation | 2009 | 10 Pages |
The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of several non-ionic surfactants (Tween-80, Triton X-100 and Tergitol NP-10) on the ability of different bacteria (Enterobacter sp., Pseudomonas sp. and Stenotrophomonas sp.) to degrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Bacterial cultures were performed at 25 °C in an orbital shaker under dark conditions in BHB medium containing 1% of surfactant and 500 mg l−1 of each PAH. Experiments performed with Tween-80 showed the highest cell density values and maximum specific growth rate because this surfactant was used as a carbon source by all bacteria. High degree of PAHs degradation (>90%) was reached in 15 days in all experiments. Toxicity increased at early times using Tween-80 but decreased to low levels in a short time after the firsts 24 h. On the other hand, Triton X-100 and Tergitol NP-10 were not biodegraded and toxicity kept constant along time. However, PAHs-degradation rate was higher, especially by the action of Enterobacter sp. with Tween-80 or Triton X-100. Control experiments performed without surfactant showed a significant decrease in biomass growth rate with a subsequent loss of biodegradation activity likely due to a reduced solubility and bioavailability of PAHs in absence of surfactant.