Evaluation of o-cresol degradation potential by a strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa S8

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of a selected Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain (strain S8) isolated from an Algerian soil to degrade o-cresol in water. This strain was used to study the biodegradation of o-cresol in batch aerobic experiments under variable pH values, heavy metals ions (Zn2+, Cd2+ and Cu2+) and NaCl concentrations. The results showed that P. aeruginosa S8 strain has a high o-cresol biodegradation potential; it could degrade completely 1250mgL(-1)o-cresol within 85h. Furthermore, o-cresol biodegradation potential of the strain was slightly affected by alkalinity (pH 9), presence of heavy metals and salinity (NaCl). Growth kinetics and degradation activity data obtained for the concentrations ranging between 250-1250mgL(-1) fitted well to Andrews growth kinetic model with a coefficient of determination (R-2) higher than 0.99. Due to its high o-cresol biodegradation potential and its relative tolerance to alkalinity, salinity and heavy metals, the strain S8 seems to be a good candidate for elimination of o-cresol from industrial wastewaters.