Biodegradation of p-cresol by immobilized cells of Bacillus sp. strain PHN 1

Abstract

The Bacillus sp. strain PHN 1 capable of degrading p-cresol was immobilized in various matrices namely, polyurethane foam (PUF), polyacrylamide, alginate and agar. The degradation rates of 20 and 40 mM p-cresol by the freely suspended cells and immobilized cells in batches and semi-continuous with shaken cultures were compared. The PUF-immobilized cells achieved higher degradation of 20 and 40 mM p-cresol than freely suspended cells and the cells immobilized in polyacrylamide, alginate and agar. The PUF- immobilized cells could be reused for more than 35 cycles, without losing any degradation capacity and showed more tolerance to pH and temperature changes than free cells. These results revealed that the immobilized cell systems are more efficient than freely suspended cells for degradation of p-cresol.

Functional consortia for cresol-degrading activated sludges: Toxicity-to-extinction approach

“…Hence, the microbial communities at these threshold concentrations are the functional consortia of the three cresols. Tallur et al (2009) isolated one strain, Bacillus sp. PHN1, which can degrade high-strength p-cresol as the sole carbon and energy source.…”

Evaluation of p-cresol degradation with polyphenol oxidase (PPO) immobilized in various matrices

“…There are reports on removal/degradation of p -cresol by enzymes, microorganisms and immobilized cells of organism(s) (Gunther et al 1995; Kolomytseva et al 2007; Muller et al 2001; Singh et al 2008; Tallur et al 2006, 2009; Vermette 2000; Yamada et al 2007). However, several disadvantages in the direct microbial detoxification of pollutants were determined.…”

Decolorization of Reactive Dyes by Immobilized Bacterial Cells from Textile Effluents

“…In recent times, the application of immobilized cell has been receiving increased attention in the field of wastewater decolorization since this method not only simplifies separation and recovery of immobilized bacteria and the binding agent but also makes the application reusable, which reduces the overall cost. On the whole, immobilized cells are more tolerant to local perturbations like changes in temperature, pH and presence of inhibitor compounds (Tallur et al, 2009). It has been stated that sodium alginate is a suitable matrix material because it is non-toxic and the method used for its gelation is mild towards the microorganisms (Sriamornsak, 1998).…”