Physio-chemical analysis and kinetic modeling of phenol degradation by the endophyte Kocuria rhizophila 14asp

Abstract Phenol is a carcinogenic pollutant found in a range of industrial effluents in concentrations up to several mg L-1. Here, we investigated in vitro phenol degradation by non-starved endophytic Kocuria rhizophila 14asp in batch mode at a wide range of concentrations (1500 mg L-1 to 6500 mg L-1) under a variety of conditions. The optimum temperature and pH for maximum phenol degradation were found to be 35 oC and 7.3, respectively. The maximum extent of phenol degradation was 93% after 144 hrs when the culture was fed 1500 mg phenol L-1, and resulted in a maximum cell yield of 0.21. Kinetic modeling with Haldane, Edward and Yano kinetic models showed that the Edward model best described the phenol degradation kinetics by K. rhizophila 14asp. Given the ability of K. rhizophila 14asp to utilize high concentrations of phenol as sole source of carbon and energy, it may be useful in biodegradation systems.