Biodegradation of Phenol and Emulsification Properties of Native Microorganisms from Coal Carbonization Plant

Phenols (aromatic organic compounds) are commonly occurring organic pollutants in the environment. Some of the toxic effects of phenol in humans are corrosive to eyes, skin and respiratory track, in addition also causes lethal effects in animal and plant community when discharged even in low concentrations. The problem associated with phenol in the environment, is in need to removal such hazardous compound. Considering the importance, the present investigation attempts for degradation of phenol by native bacterial strains isolated from coal carbonization plant wastewater. About 36 bacterial isolates were found to exhibit phenol degrading activity. Among them, higher phenol degrading strains were identified tentatively as CA1 – Rhodococcus sp., CA2 – Bacillus sp., CA3 – Pseudomonas sp. and CA4 –Citrobacter sp. Phenol degrading ability of Rhodococcus sp. was found to be 60% with maximum cell dry weight. Surface active compounds were observed to be 1.31G for Rhodococcus sp, 0.85 G for Bacillus sp, 1.26 G for Pseudomonas sp. and 1.02 G for Citrobacter sp. In case of mixed cultures, 1.62 G maximum rate among the tested was observed. The Emulsification Index (E24) for CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4 and mixed culture was observed as 78%, 65%, 59%, 22% and 80% respectively. The plasmid profile was additionally studied for the isolates. Significantly, the study reveals the potentials of native strain, Rhodococcus sp. (CA1), in degradation of phenols.