Oxidation of naphthalene by Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida utilis

The yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae 118 and Candida utilis 128 were examined for their ability to metabolize the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons naphthalene and anthracene. The two yeasts tested oxidized these aromatics. Metabolites were extracted and analyzed by thin layer chromatography and gas chromatography. The predominant oxidation product of naphthalene found in the culture medium was 1-naphthol.