Effects of Aromatic Compounds Degradation on Bacterial Cell Morphology

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate in parallel the capacity of three bacterial strains originating from oil-polluted soils to degrade monoaromatic compounds and the alterations in the bacterial cell morphology as a result of the biodegradation. The strain Gordonia sp. 12/5 can grow well in media containing catechol, o-, m-, and p-cresol without significant morphological changes in the cells, as shown by scanning electron microscopy. This implies good adaptation of the strain for growth in hydrocarbon-containing media and indicates it is a proper candidate strain for further development of purification methodologies applicable to ecosystems contaminated with such compounds. The growth of the two Rhodococcus strains in the presence of the above carbon sources is accompanied by changes in cell size characteristic of stress conditions. Nevertheless, their hydrocarbon-degrading capacity should not be neglected for future applications. In summary, the established ability to degrade monoaromatic compounds, in parallel with the morphological changes of the bacterial cells, can be used as a valuable indicator of the strain’s vitality in the presence of tested aromatic compounds and, accordingly, of its applicability for bioremediation purposes.