[Biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by a preponderant brevibacterium]

A preponderant brevibacterium was isolated from the sludge contaminated by coke-plantwaste water for a long time. The bacterium was effective on the degradation and transformation of anthracene, phenanthrene and pyrene. The degradation process can be accelerated by ferric ions. 10 hours after aeration, the removing rates of anthracene, phenanthrene and pyrene by the brevibacterium were about 75%, 87% and 62% respectively. 106 hours after aeration, the removing rates of total organic carbon (TOC) caused by anthracene, phenanthrene and pyrene were 50%, 90%, and 50% respectively.