Abstract
Mycobacteriumisolates obtained from PAH-contaminated and uncontaminated matrices were evaluated for their ability to degrade three-, four- and five-ring PAHs. PAH enrichment studies were prepared using pyrene and inocula obtained from manufacturing gas plant (MGP) soil, uncontaminated agricultural soil, and faeces fromMacropus fuliginosus(Western Grey Kangaroo). Three pyrene-degrading microorganisms isolated from the corresponding enrichment cultures had broad substrate ranges, however, isolates could be differentiated based on surfactant, phenol, hydrocarbon and PAH utilisation. 16S rRNA analysis identified all three isolates asMycobacteriumsp. TheMycobacteriumspp. could rapidly degrade phenanthrene and pyrene, however, no strain had the capacity to utilise fluorene or benzo[a]pyrene. When pyrene mineralisation experiments were performed, 70–79% of added14C was evolved as14CO2after 10 days. The present study demonstrates that PAH degrading microorganisms may be isolated from a diverse range of environmental matrices. The present study demonstrates that prior exposure to PAHs was not a prerequisite for PAH catabolic activity for two of theseMycobacteriumisolates.
Highlights
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants that have been widely distributed as a result of anthropogenic activities including the combustion of fossil fuels and organic matter, coal liquefaction and gasification processes, oil seepage, and accidental spillage of hydrocarbons [1, 2]
Three pyrene-degrading microorganisms isolated from the corresponding enrichment cultures had broad substrate ranges, isolates could be differentiated based on surfactant, phenol, hydrocarbon and PAH utilisation. 16S rRNA analysis identified all three isolates as Mycobacterium sp
It is apparent from these reviews and earlier suggestions by Kastner et al [9], that nocardioform bacteria, in particular Mycobacteria, may play a crucial role in the biodegradation of PAHs
Summary
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants that have been widely distributed as a result of anthropogenic activities including the combustion of fossil fuels and organic matter, coal liquefaction and gasification processes, oil seepage, and accidental spillage of hydrocarbons [1, 2]. Due to their acute toxicity and/or mutagenic, teratogenic, or carcinogenic properties [3,4,5], there is toxicological concern about the presence of PAHs in the environment. It is apparent from these reviews and earlier suggestions by Kastner et al [9], that nocardioform bacteria, in particular Mycobacteria, may play a crucial role in the biodegradation of PAHs
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