Pyrene degradation by Mycobacterium sp. strain KR2
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Updated: Oct 28, 2026

Aseptic Laboratory Techniques: Plating Methods
Published on: May 11, 2012
K Rehmann1, H P Noll, C E Steinberg
1GSF-National Research Centre for Environment and Health, Institute of Ecological Chemistry, Neuherberg, Germany.
Abstract:
A Mycobacterium sp., strain KR2 which was able to utilise pyrene as sole source of carbon and energy was isolated from a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contaminated soil originating from the area of a former gaswork plant. The isolate metabolised up to 60% of the pyrene added (0.5 mg/mL) within 8 days at 20 degrees C. Cis-4,5-pyrene dihydrodiol, 4,5-phenanthrene dicarboxylic acid, 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid, 2-carboxybenzaldehyde, phthalic acid, and protocatechuic acid were identified as degradation products. Based on these findings a degradation pathway for pyrene is suggested which is in good accordance with the data published so far on bacterial pyrene metabolism.
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