The influence of Pseudomonas putida CP1 on the Degradation of Mono-Chlorophenols by a Mixed Microbial Population

Abstract

A mixture of microorganisms, produced for the treatment of substituted aromatic compounds, was examined for its ability to degrade 2-, 3- and 4-chlorophenol, as sole carbon source, in aerobic batch culture. Complete degradation of mono- chlorophenols normally proceeds through a modified ortho-pathway. Metabolism of the mono-chlorophenols by the mixed culture, was shown to be via the meta-cleavage pathway. This resulted in incomplete metabolism of 2-chlorophenol (2-cp) and 3-chlorophenol (3-cp). 4-chlorophenol (4-cp), however, was shown to be successfully degraded (concentration 1.56 mmol I−1), with metabolism resulting in a stoichiometric release of chloride.