The Effect of Atranes on the Growth of Rhodococcus qingshengii VKM Ac-2784D in the Presence of Various Carbon Sources and on Its Ability to Degrade Naphthalene

Rhodococcus qingshengii VKM Ac-2784D isolated from the rhizosphere of Elytrigia repens, is a promising oil degrader. To increase its biotechnological potential, the effect of atranes (potential growth stimulants) on its growth and naphthalene degradation was studied. The effect of the studied atranes on R. qingshengii VKM Ac-2784D was shown to depend on the nature of the carbon source: addition of atranes had practically no effect on the growth rate of bacteria in the rich BTN medium; in the media 8E and 8E with glucose, it caused short-term activation of growth, characterized by a shorter lag phase. In the presence of naphthalene, atranes had a predominantly negative effect on the growth of R. qingshengii VKM Ac-2784D. The studied atranes had a negative effect on the rate of naphthalene decomposition by R. qingshengii VKM Ac-2784D, and also decreased the cell wall hydrophobicity and the synthesis of extracellular biosurfactants. It may therefore be assumed that the studied compounds will have a negative effect on the rate of naphthalene decomposition by this microorganism.