[Isolation and characterization of a p-chloroaniline-degrading bacterial strain]

A bacterial strain that degrades p-chloroaniline is isolated from activated sludge of wastewater treatment plant treating wastewater from a chemical factory. Results indicate that this strain took p-chloroaniline as sole carbon, nitrogen and energy sources. It is identified as Diaphorobacter sp. PCA039 according to its morphology, and biochemical properties, and 16S rDNA sequence analysis. Further study indicate that chloride anion is released simultaneously and stoichemically to p-chloroaniline degradation during cultivation. The optimal pH and temperature for cell growth and p-chloroaniline degradation were 7.5 and 30 degrees C, respectively, and the optimal concentration of p-chloroaniline in three days was 300 mg/L (2.35 mmol/L). Enzymatic analysis show that initial reactions of p-chloroaniline degradation by Diaphorobacter sp. PCA039 are catalyzed by aniline dioxygenase and chlorocatechol 2,3-dioxygenase.