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  • Isolation of novel benzo[a]anthracene-degrading microorganisms and continuous bioremediation in an expanded-bed bioreactor.

Isolation of novel benzo[a]anthracene-degrading microorganisms and continuous bioremediation in an expanded-bed bioreactor.

Bioprocess and biosystems engineering (2011-12-16)
E Rosales, A Pérez-Paz, X Vázquez, M Pazos, M A Sanromán
ABSTRACT

In the present work, several samples from lab waste containers polluted with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals were investigated as potential sources of PAH-degrading microorganisms. After isolating, two fungal strains were selected as the best degrading microorganisms. Genetic identification by sequencing was carried out and they were identified as Trichoderma longibrachiatum and Byssochlamys spectabilis. Their degradation ability was determined in liquid cultures with 100 μM of benzo[a]anthracene. T. longibrachiatum cultures showed highest degradation values (around 97%) after 9 days, furthermore in a second batch the time was reduced to 6 days. To analyse the viability of industrial application, a continuous treatment in an expanded-bed bioreactor was developed operating at different residence times with T. longibrachiatum immobilised on cubes of nylon sponge. It is noticeable that the bioreactor working in continuous mode was able to operate without operational problems and attaining high degradation levels depending on the residence time.

MATERIALS
Product Number
Brand
Product Description

Benz[a]anthracene, BCR®, certified reference material
Supelco
Benz[a]anthracene, certified reference material, TraceCERT®, Manufactured by: Sigma-Aldrich Production GmbH, Switzerland
Supelco
Benz[a]anthracene, analytical standard
Sigma-Aldrich
Benz[a]anthracene, 99%