Induction of phenol utilization in Pseudomonas CF600 grown under varying nitrogen levels

This study demonstrates the effect of various nitrogen levels in the medium along with different carbon sources in the media on the utilization of phenol by Pseudomonas CF600. Experiments were carried out using cultures derived from minimal media containing the carbon sources phenol and citrate, followed by varying nitrogen levels in the medium. Respirometric analysis under different conditions was carried out with cells using phenol and catechol as substrates. When nitrogen was limiting in the medium, phenol induced higher oxygen uptake rates, whereas catechol was independent of the nitrogen levels. These observations were also supported by the residual phenol levels in the medium with different levels of nitrogen as NH(4) ion. Results show that nitrogen-limiting conditions favor the phenol utilization by Pseudomonas CF600.