Biokinetic parameter estimation for degradation of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) with Pseudomonas putida KP-T201

The purpose of this study is to determine the biodegradation kinetics of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) by a newly isolated microorganism. Hundreds of microorganisms were isolated from explosives-contaminated soil in Korea. Examination of culture tests revealed that a few species of microorganisms have good ability to degrade TNT. The most efficient one was selected and identified as Pseudomonas putida KP-T201. Biodegradation of TNT was tested in a batch reactor using a pure culture of P. putida KP-T201. The effect of different concentrations of TNT on the rate of bacterial biodegradation was investigated. The Haldane equation seems to be an adequate expression for the cell growth data, and the kinetic constants obtained were mu(m)=0.65 h(-1), K(S)=0.62 mgl(-1), and K(i)=115 mgl(-1). The dependence of the bacterial specific growth rate on the concentration of TNT could be explained as a conventional model of substrate inhibition.