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Bacillus subtilis as a bioindicator for estimating pentachlorophenol toxicity and concentration.
M A Ayude1, E Okada, J F González
1Div. Catálisis, INTEMA, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Argentina. mayude@fi.mdp.edu.ar
Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology
|March 12, 2009
Summary
This study introduces a rapid biological screening test using Bacillus subtilis to assess the biodegradation of pentachlorophenol (PCP) and its by-products. An empirical model was developed for spectrophotometric analysis of sodium pentachlorophenol (Na-PCP) concentration.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Pentachlorophenol (PCP) and sodium pentachlorophenol (Na-PCP) are highly toxic chemicals causing significant soil and groundwater pollution.
- Widespread use of chlorinated phenols as wood preservatives leads to contamination from wood-treatment plant waste.
- Conventional analytical methods like HPLC and GC-MS are common, but rapid biological screening methods are also explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a rapid biological screening method for assessing PCP and by-product biodegradation in liquid samples.
- To evaluate the efficacy of Bacillus subtilis in the biodegradation analysis of PCP and Na-PCP.
- To propose an empirical model for spectrophotometric quantification of Na-PCP concentration post-biodegradation.
Main Methods:
- Development of a rapid biological screening assay utilizing Bacillus subtilis.
- Application of the assay to assess the biodegradation of PCP and its by-products in liquid samples.
- Establishment of an empirical model for spectrophotometric determination of Na-PCP concentration.
Main Results:
- Successful development of a Bacillus subtilis-based screening method for PCP biodegradation.
- Demonstration of the method's utility in assessing PCP and by-product degradation.
- Proposal of a spectrophotometric model for Na-PCP quantification.
Conclusions:
- Bacillus subtilis offers a viable biological tool for rapid screening of PCP biodegradation.
- The developed method provides a faster alternative for assessing contamination and degradation of PCP and Na-PCP.
- The empirical model facilitates spectrophotometric analysis of Na-PCP concentrations.
