Phenanthrene Biodegradation by Pseudomonas sp. CH3 Isolated from Oil-contaminated Soil

Abstract

In this research, phenanthrene-degrading bacterial strain CH3 was isolated from oil-contaminated soil in Thailand using a spraying plate technique. The strain CH3 was identified as Pseudomonas sp. CH3 based on its 16S rDNA sequence analysis. Complete degradation of phenanthrene in the minimal salt medium culture was observed within 3 days of incubation at room temperature (30±2°C) whereas at 37°C, complete degradation of phenanthrene occurred within 6 days. At 42°C, the strain CH3 was still able to grow and degrade approximately 23% of phenanthrene. Therefore, the strain CH3 is suitable for phenanthrene bioremediation in tropical areas, where temperature may exceed 40°C during the hot season. Additionally, Pseudomonas sp. CH3 can utilize aromatics and small carbon compounds, thus offering an environmentally friendly method to remove hazardous substances from the environment.