Biodegradation kinetics of phenol by Klebsielia oxytoca:: Effect of carbon and nitrogen source

Different growth conditions were examined to study the kinetics of phenol biodegradation by Klebsiella oxytoca cells. The results showed that it was possible to cultivate Klebsiella oxytoca with phenol as sole carbon and energy source. In the presence and absence of phenol, the experimental data were fitted to three specific growth models (Monod, Moieser, Andrews), and that of Andrews was found to be the best. The maximum predicted growth rates by this model were 0.3228 h(-1) for the cells grown on minimal medium (MM), and 0.2597 h(-1) for those grown on nutrient broth (NB). All carbon sources, except maltose, enhanced the phenol degradation by Klebsiella oxytoca with varying degrees. Nitrogen sources being tested, except glycine, urea and yeast extract, had the same effect as carbon sources.