Biodegradation of fluoranthene by indigenous bacteria isolated from sediments of mangrove forests in Persian Gulf

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are a group of organic compounds with two or more aromatic rings, and approximately 90 percent of these compounds are carcinogen. Although there are different methods to clear such contaminants from environment, microorganisms are more effective and more cost friendly. This study was designed to isolate indigenous microorganisms which are able to biodegradation fluoranthene from sediments of mangrove forests in Persian Gulf and to evaluate their biodegrading ability on fluoranthene.
This sectional study was performed on the sediment samples collected from Persian Gulf mangrove. The bacteria were counted in two series of media; one containing fluoranthene and another one without any contaminants. The degrading bacteria were isolated on two basic mineral media (MSM and MSM Agar). The degradation ability were assayed based on High pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC).
The total number of bacteria grown on the medium without Fluoranthene was significantly more than those contaminated with Fluoranthene (cfu/g). Among the isolated bacteria Bacillus circulance, Alcaligens fecalis, Entrobacter, Listeria and Staphylococcus showed the highest ability to degrade Fluoranthene. Bacillus circulance and Alcaligens fecalis showed the most biodegrading activity and growth at the presence of fluoranthene (73.4% and 71%, respectively).
Results of this study indicate that there are many fluoranthene degrading bacteria in Persian Gulf mangrove sediments.