Biodegradation of 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid by a pure culture of Pseudomonas cepacia

A pure culture of Pseudomonas cepacia, designated AC1100, that can utilize 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T) as its sole source of carbon and energy was isolated. An actively growing culture of AC1100 was able to degrade more than 97% of 2,4,5-T, present at 1 mg/ml, within 6 days as determined by chloride release, gas chromatographic, and spectrophotometric analyses. The ability of AC1100 to oxidize a variety of chlorophenols and related compounds is also reported.