Characterization of polychlorinated biphenyl degradation in a fermentor by Comamonas testosteroni strain TK102.

Abstract

The degradation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in a 10-liter fermentor by Comamonas testosteroni strain TK102 was investigated. The efficient degradation of 100mg/l Kaneclor 300 by strain TK102 was achieved in 1/3 diluted Luria-Bertani (LB) medium in the absence of biphenyl.Eighty seven percent of Kaneclor 300 was transformed within 72h. This is the first report onthe biodegradation of PCBs in a fermentor. During 24h of incubation, PCBs at the initial concentration of 100mg/l were most efficiently degraded. At the concentration of 150 and 200mg/l, the efficient degradation of PCBs began after a 18-h lag period.