Biodegradation of Benzene and Toluene Compounds by Highly Effective Phyllosphere Bacteria: An Assertive Strategy for Environmental Remediation

John K Mathew, Tamilselvan N.

Abstract: The key petroleum aromatic hydrocarbons benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, m-xylene, o-xylene, and p-xylene are known as BTEX compounds and contribute significantly to environmental pollution. Research indicates that phyllosphere bacteria can enhance the degradation of these harmful compounds, with Pseudomonas putida HLPSC8 showing the highest hydrocarbon degradation potential among two tested strains. A tolerance study demonstrated this bacterium's effectiveness at varying concentrations of BTEX compounds (1% to 10%), measured using the gravimetric method. Optimizing biodegradation activity involves factors like pH, temperature, agitation, and nitrogen sources. In growth kinetic studies, Pseudomonas putida degraded 91% of benzene and 92% of toluene after 168 hours, resulting in 15 and 12 identified byproducts, respectively. These findings will guide future research on hydrocarbons and support the biodegradation of these hazardous compounds.

Keywords: Benzene, Toluene, Phyllosphere, Degradation, Gas Chromatography