Biodegradation of Phenolic and Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds by Some Algae and Cyanobacteria

Abstract

In this work, the oxidation of phenolic compounds was accompanied by shift in the wavelength and change in the colour such as the oxidation of phenol to catechol by Volvox aureus, Nostoc Linckia and Oscillatoria rubescens . The oxidation of β-naphthol by Volvox aureus, Lyngbya lagerlerimi and Nostoc linckia , and the oxidation of catechol by Chlorella vulgaris and V. aureus were suggested. The degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by different algae seems to be related to the molecular structures of the compound and physiological metabolism of the algae. The highest percentage of degradation of naphthalene by N. linckia after 7 days was 47.71%, while the highest percentage of degradation of anthracene by E. viridis after 7 days was 92.28%. The highest percentage of degradation of 2-methythie 3-phenyl quinazlin-4- 3H (one) by V. aureus after 7 days was 83.39%, and the highest percentage of degradation of 2- phenyl 3,1benzexazin-4 one by E. viridis after 7 days was 79.74%. The obtained results suggest that microbial biodegradation of pollutants can be used to clean up contaminated environments. Biotreatment of wastes using living organisms is an environmentally friendly, relatively simple and cost-effective alternative to physico-chemical processes.