Structural Changes of Phenanthrene On Biodegradation by Bacillus altitudinis.

Abstract

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic pollutants that are present in environment. Some bacterial species have ability to metabolize these compounds and use them as energy sources for their growth. Bacillus altitudinis was used to degrade phenanthrene, a three-ring aromatic PAH. The maximum degradation rate (14%) was obtained when Bacillus altitudinis was cultured for 28 days after the addition of 50 ppm phenanthrene to the liquid medium. Furthermore, the degradation was affected by addition of Tween 80 as surfactants. The observation parameters were total plate count (TPC) and pH. The value TPC increased for 28 days cultivation and pH value increased too from 6 to 8 during the 28 days cultivation. The mechanism of degradation was determined through identification of metabolites, the possible pathway of phenanthrene degradation is via phthalic acid. It has been proofed by a mass spectrum of phthalic acid at retention time of 7.607 with match quality of 72.