INVESTIGATION OF FLUORENE BIODEGRADATION USING THE SPRAY PLATE METHOD

Background and Aim:Fluorene (Flu.), a tricyclic PAH with two benzene rings fused to a cyclopentane ring, is formed during the combustion of fossil fuels, such as in the oil refinery process, and in automotive tailpipes. This xenobiotic compound and its derivatives are a major environmental concern associated with petroleum and oil spills, waste incineration, and industrial effluents. Fluorene is one of the compounds on the EPA Priority Pollutants List.Methods:After sampling and enrichment of surface sediment, 100 ml of diluted enrichment culture, spread on the surface of an mineral salt medium(MSM) agar plate without any carbon source. After 15 minutes, a solution of fluorene was sprayed on the surface of the plate, and the plate was incubated at 30°C for 10 to 14 days.Results:Colonies showing degradation of fluorene were surrounded with yellow zones on MSM agar plates. Solid fluorene had disappeared from cleared areas.Conclusion:This method was applicable to detection of bacteria able to assimilate fluorene.

Keywords:

Biodegradation , Fluorene , PAHs , Spray plate method