Optimization of Parameters for Phenol Degradation by Rhodococcus UKM-P in Shake Flask Culture

摘要

The ability of the bacterium, Rhodococcus UKM-P, to degrade phenol was studied in shake flask culture. The effect of the cultivation parameters (temperature, pH, type and concentration of nitrogen source and salt concentration) on growth of the bacterium and phenol degradation was evaluated. The highest cell growth and the amount of phenol degraded (0.5 g/L) were observed in optimized cultivation conditions (30°C and initial pH 7.5) after 21 h. The culture medium supplied with 0.4 g/L ammonium sulphate gave the highest amount of phenol degraded (0.5 g/L). NaCl at a concentration of 0.1 g/L was required to enhance cell growth and phenol degradation. Results from this study showed that Rhodococcus UKM-P has potential to be used in bioremediation of wastewater containing phenol.