Isolation and Identification of Phenanthrene-Degrading Microorganisms from Natural Sources for Environmental Remediation.

Abstract

The remediation of phenanthrene contamination in the environment is a critical environmental concern due to its widespread occurrence, persistence, and toxicological effects. This study focuses on the isolation and identification of microorganisms capable of degrading phenanthrene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), from natural sources for environmental remediation purposes.Samples were collected from various natural environments known to be contaminated with hydrocarbons, including soil and water sources, to isolate phenanthrene-degrading microorganisms. Enrichment culture techniques were employed to cultivate microorganisms capable of utilizing phenanthrene as the sole carbon source. Biochemical characterization of the isolated strains revealed their metabolic capabilities, growth kinetics, and enzymatic activities associated with phenanthrene degradation. Molecular identification using 16S rRNA gene sequencing identified the isolated strains at the species level, elucidating their taxonomic affiliations and phylogenetic relationships.Phenanthrene degradation assays confirmed the ability of the isolated microorganisms to degrade phenanthrene under laboratory conditions. Degradation rates varied among the isolated strains and were influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, pH, and nutrient availability. Optimization experiments demonstrated that phenanthrene degradation was most efficient at moderate temperatures and near-neutral pH conditions, with enhanced degradation rates observed in nutrient-rich media.The findings of this study highlight the potential of naturally occurring microorganisms for bioremediation of phenanthrene-contaminated sites. The isolated strains represent promising candidates for eco-friendly and cost-effective remediation strategies, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional remediation methods. Further research is needed to optimize the conditions for microbial-mediated bioremediation and evaluate the efficacy of the isolated strains in field-scale applications.