Degradation of p-nitrophenol by a mangrove bacterial rhodococcus sp. Ns

Abstract

A bacterium capable of utilizing p-nitrophenol (PNP) as the sole nitrogen, carbon, and energy source was isolated from mangrove sediment. This bacterium was confirmed based on 16S rDNA sequence analysis and taxonomic analysis as being a member of the genus Rhodococcus and was designated strain Ns. The strain Ns could tolerate high concentrations of PNP up to 1.5 mmol/L and complete degradation was achieved in four days at 30°C in the dark under aerobic conditions. Biodegradation of PNP quickly occurred at optimal pH above 5.0, and at least 5‰ salinity. Bacterial growth on PNP was observed with the simultaneous production of 4-nitrocatechol, which was also degraded by the same bacterium, as a degradation intermediate, Moreover, Rhodococcus sp. Ns was able to also deplete 2-nitrophenol (ONP) as the sole source of carbon, nitrogen and energy, but not 3-nitrophenol. The experimental results show that bacteria indigenous to the natural wetland sediment are capable of complete degradation of PNP and ONP.