Optimisation of pH, Temperature and Carbon Nitrogen Ratio for the Degradation of <i>m</i>-Chlorophenol by <i>Pseudomonas putida</i> CP1

Abstract

Aromatic pollutants like m-chlorophenol is toxic to the environment and chlorophenol containing a metachlorine are more persistent under aerobic conditions than compounds lacking a chlorine substituent in positions meta to hydroxyl group. Therefore, it should be removed effectively from the environment. In order to increase the degradative activity, the optimum conditions for m-chlorophenol degradation by Pseudomonas putida CP1, some physicochemical conditions like pH, temperature and carbon nitrogen ratio for the growth and degradation of most persistent monochlorophenol, m-chlorophenol by the organism was optimised. The pH optimum for m-chlorophenol degradation by the bacterium was between pH 6.5 and 7.0 and the temperature optimum was 30°C for removal activity. Carbon : nitrogen (C:N) ratio of 3:1 was found best for effective removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and m-chlorophenol by the bacterium.

Keywords: m-Chlorophenol degradation, Pseudomonas putida CP1, Chemical oxygen demand (COD)

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v23i2.884 

Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 23, Number 2, December 2006, pp 159-161