Abstract

The effectiveness of rhamnolipid biosurfactant on solubilization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in artifical seawater and biodegradation of phenanthrene by a marine bacterium Sphingobacterium sp. strain QPH-3 were investigated. Rhamnolipid above the CMC significantly enhanced the aqueous solubility of PAHs. The values of molar solubilization ratio are 4.9×10-1, 9.4×10-2, and 1.4×10-2 for naphthalene, phenanthrene, and pyrene, respectively. The results of biodegradation experiments showed that the extents of phenanthrene biodegradation were significantly enhanced by rhamnolipid at the optimal concentrations. When the biodegradation systems amended with rhamnolipid dosages above 10mmol/L, the surfactant compete with PAH as substrates and therefore decrease the biodegradation rate of the phenanthrene.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.