Title: Biodegradation of phenol in refinery wastewater by pure cultures of Pseudomonas aeruginosa NCIB 950 and Pseudomonas fluorescence NCIB 3756

Authors: S.E. Agarry, A.O. Durojaiye, R.O. Yusuf, M.O. Aremu, B.O. Solomon, O. Mojeed

Addresses: Department of Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering Unit, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria. ' Department of Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering Unit, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria. ' Department of Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering Unit, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria. ' Department of Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering Unit, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria. ' Department of Chemical Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. ' Department of Petroleum Resources, Federal Ministry of Petroleum, Port-Harcourt Nigeria

Abstract: The potential of microorganisms to catabolise and metabolise xenobiotic compounds has been recognised as a potentially effective means of toxic and hazardous wastes disposal. Phenol and its derivatives have long been recognised as some of the most persistent chemicals in petroleum refinery wastewaters, with high toxicity even at low concentrations. Biodegradation of these compounds has been recognised as a potential solution for their disposal owing to its cost effectiveness and simplicity. Two species of pseudomonas, P. aeruginosa and P. fluorescence, were studied for their biodegradation potential on phenol present in a refinery wastewater under a batch fermentation process. Phenol was successfully degraded by both species, and there was high positive correlation between phenol biodegradation and microbial growth. The maximum specific growth rate were obtained for both species from the Haldane model. The study revealed the high potential of these local strains, with P. aeruginosa being more effective, and the possibility of using them in bioremediation of petroleum refinery wastewaters.

Keywords: phenol biodegradation; pseudomonas species; refinery wastewater; kinetics; Haldane model; bioremediation; petroleum refineries; toxic waste; batch fermentation; microbial growth; wastewater treatment; pollution control; environmental pollution.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2008.016894

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2008 Vol.32 No.1, pp.3 - 11

Published online: 28 Jan 2008 *

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