Biotransformations of bisphenols mediated by a novel Arthrobacter sp. strain YC-RL1

Arthrobacter sp. strain YC-RL1, capable of utilizing bisphenol A (BPA) as sole carbon source for growth, was isolated from petroleum contaminated soil. YC-RL1 could rapidly degrade BPA in a wide range of pH (5.0–9.0) and temperature (20–40 °C). Substrate analysis found that YC-RL1 could also degrade bisphenol F (BPF) and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA). The maximum and minimum concentrations of BPA (0.2–600 mg/L), BPF (0.2–600 mg/L), and TBBPA (0.2–300 mg/L) for efficient biodegradation were detected. The released bromide ion and metabolic intermediates of BPF and BPA/TBBPA were detected, as well as the degradation pathways for BPF and BPA/TBBPA were deduced tentatively. The present study provides important information for the investigation of BPs degrading mechanism and the application of microbial remediation in BP-contaminated environment. This study is the first report about a genus Arthrobacter bacterium which could simultaneously degrade BPA, BPF, and TBBPA.