Metabolic profile of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) biodegradation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCC 10311)

Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) is one of the main components in the detergent and cosmetic industries. Its bioremediation by suitable microorganism has received greater attention. Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC 10311 was isolated from detergent contaminated soil which had degraded 96% of SDS in 48 hrs. Attempts were made to study the metabolic byproducts of SDS degradation using GC-MS analysis. Analysis of ether extracts of surfactant established the sequential production of Dodecanol, Dodecanal and Decanoic acid. At this point, the pathway diverged into the formation of acid residues through beta oxidation. This SDS degrading isolate, Pseudomonas aeruginosa can be exploited for decontamination of detergent contaminated waste water.