Effect of pH and inoculum size on phenol degradation by bacteria isolated from landfill waste

Four aerobic species of mesophilic bacteria which catabolise phenol as the sole carbon source were isolated from landfill waste, and identified as Acinetobacter, Arthrobacter, Micrococcus and Nocardia spp. In vitro studies in defined medium revealed variations in abilities of the isolates to catabolise phenol, and in pH growth optima ranging from 6.8 to 7.6. The pH of culture media decreased with growth, and phenol catabolism was impeded below pH 5.4. Phenol catabolism in landfill leachate occurred after longer lag phases than in defined medium, and relative efficiencies of phenol catabolism did not correspond with the patterns in defined medium. Inoculum size affected phenol removal rates. The results describe factors which may be manipulated to prevent pollution problems in the codisposal of phenolic industrial waste.