Determination of degradation oftoluene and chlorotoluenes by Comamonas testosterone KT5 immobilized in alginate

Abstract

Toluene and chlorotoluenes are widely used ingredients in industries and commonly detected in polluted environments, especially in wastewater. Comamonas testosterone KT5 that effectively degraded these compounds was determined to disintegrate the toxic chemicals in liquid culture and soil. The results presented that the bacteria immobilized in alginate degraded toluene and chlorotoluenes more effectively than those of free cells. Besides, the immobilized cells showed higher toleration in extremely low and high pH levels. Moreover, the immobilized form reduced the effects of heavy metals during the degradation process. The effects of heavy metals on toluene degradation were in order of As⁵⁺ ≈ Cd²⁺ ≈ Hg²⁺ ≈ Cu²⁺ > Pb²⁺ ≈ Ni²⁺.