The role of non-spore-forming actinobacteria in cleaning up sites contaminated by persistent pollutants and the ability of these microorganisms to survive under unfavourable conditions

Abstract

Years of research has shown that actinobacteria, including Rhodococcus, Gordonia, Arthrobacter, Microbacteria, play an important role in cleaning up sites contaminated by persistent organic pollutants. Under special conditions, actinobacteria of different genera are able to form specific forms, cyst-like resting cells (CLC), which maintain the viability during long-term storage (for at least 5–6 years, our unpublished results). These cells quickly germinate when conditions become favourable for growth. As a result, actinobacteria can be used as a basis for creating highly efficient biological preparations for cleaning up the soil with high levels of toxic contaminants such as (chloro)phenols, (chloro)biphenyls, polycyclic hydrocarbons, oil1.