Author(s)

L. Dunyu & Y. Chu

Abstract

1,3,5-TMB (trimethylbenzene) has been considered as a priority pollutant by several environmental agencies due to its high toxicity, carcinogenicity and mutagenic activity. Two bacteria with the ability of degrading 1,3,5-TMB were isolated from crude oil contaminated soil. The optimal pH value and temperature for the growth of these bacteria were 7.0 and 30ºC. 1,3,5-TMB was used as sole carbon and energy source by both strains. Strain A was identified as Staphylococcus sciuri and strain C was Microbacterium schleiferi, both of which were facultative anaerobic bacteria. 1,3,5-TMB was degraded by strain C with efficiency of 41.2±1.8%. The bacteria offered new source for biodegradation of BTEX and bioremediation of oil-contaminated soil and groundwater. Keywords: 1,3,5-TMB, biodegradation, facultative anaerobic strain.

Keywords

1,3,5-TMB, biodegradation, facultative anaerobic strain.