Biodegradation of phenolic compounds using immobilized Pseudomonas aeruginosa on granular activated carbon: Effect of immobilization, kinetic study and microbial regeneration

Abstract

Phenol and its derivatives are one of the major pollutants present in industrial effluents. In this work, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 9027) has been effectively used to carry out biodegradation of phenol, 3-aminophenol, and catechol. In order to develop an industrially viable technology, P. aeruginosa has been immobilized on granular activated carbon (GAC). The biofilm thickness was found in the range 14 to 34 μm. The adsorbed P. aeruginosa on the GAC is found to be efficient for bio-degradation of the phenolic compounds and in addition they also helped in regeneration of the activated carbon systems which in turn reduce the operability cost. The extent of bio-regeneration varied between 33-66%. Haldane’s growth kinetic equation is found to be suitable to fit the specific growth rate data of P. aeruginosa.