BIODEGRADATION OF ALKYL BENZENES IN OIL POLLUTED WATER

Abstract

This study included the biodegradation of benzene and its lower alkyl derivatives (BTEXC) as individual compounds and in mixture. Benzene and toluene were completely degraded after 48 hours in case of Pseudomonas aemginosa. The pathway of biodegradation of toluene, ethyl benzene and m­ xylene was also investigated through a detailed spectroscopic study of the degradation products in the initial stages. Catechol and its derivatives are the intermediate products of biodegradation and were detected by 1HNMR. In addition, the biodegradation of the isomers of butyl benzene was studied as individual components and in mixture. Pseudomonas aeruginom showed the maximum consumption rate. On the other hand, linear alk)'l b ,1zcnes fraction as a waste of petrochemicals industry was subjected to biodegradation studies, Flavobaclerium sp demonstrated the maximum consumption rate. Monoaromatic fraction as (•: higher alkyl benzenes was extracted from oil-polluted sea water (Gulf of Suez), were also subjected to biodegradation studies. Investigation of the influence of nutrients and pH values on the extent of biodegradation of higher alkyl benzene was also studied. Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed a maximum consumption rate• of biodegradation at pH 8 at higher nutrients concentration.