Comparative Study of Phenol Biodegradation of Phenol by Free and Immobilized Cells

Abstract

The objective of this project work is comparative study of the biodegradation of phenol by bacterial strain isolated from Petroleum Contaminated Soil sample and immobilized on commercial activated carbon by simultaneous adsorption and biodegradation. Biodegradation is one of the cheapest methods without any production of hazardous by-products. The biodegradation study of phenol is carried out in MSM broth where phenol is provided as a source of carbon and energy. The effect of temperature, pH and phenol concentration on the rate of phenol biodegradation by a particular strain is carried out. Activated carbons are the most broadly utilized adsorbents because of their incredible adsorption capacities for organic pollutants. The cells are immobilized on activated carbon and the effect of temperature, pH and phenol concentration on the rate of phenol biodegradation by immobilized cells is carried out. Observations uncovered that the rate of phenol biodegradation is essentially influenced by pH, temperature of incubation and phenol concentration and immobilized cells are more effective than free cells.