Improved enrichment and isolation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)-degrading microorganisms in soil using anthracene as a model PAH.
Lack of attention to soil and microbial characteristics that influence PAHs degradation has been a leading cause of failures in isolation of efficient PAH degraders and bioaugumentation processes with microbial consortia. This study compared the classic method of isolation of PAHs-degraders with a modified method employing a pre-enrichment respirometric analysis. The modified enrichment of PAH degrading microorganisms using in vitro microcosm resulted to reduced enrichment period and more efficient PAH-degrading microbial consortia. Results indicate that natural soils with strong heterotrophic microbial activity determined through pre-enrichment analysis, are better suited for the isolation of efficient PAH degrading microorganisms with significant reduction of the enrichment period.
Jacques
Rodrigo J S
RJ
Center of Rural Sciences, Federal University of Pampa, São Gabriel, RS, Brazil.
Okeke
Benedict C
BC
Bento
Fátima M
FM
Peralba
Maria C R
MC
Camargo
Flávio A O
FA