The present investigation was undertaken to assess the phenol biodegradation by bioaugmentation of Pseudomonas spp. ETL-2412. The strain was isolated and designated as Pseudomonas spp. ETL 2412 after examined for colony morphology, gram stain characteristics and various biochemical tests. Pseudomonas spp. ETL 2412 was found to be highly effectual for the removal of phenol which was used as sole carbon and energy source. From an initial concentration of 200 mg l-1 it degraded to 76.43 ± 1.23 mg l-1. In turn the effect of temperature (25 to 50°C), pH (5.5 – 10.5) and glucose concentration (0, 0.25 and 0.5%) on the rate of phenol degradation was investigated. Observations revealed that the rate of phenol biodegradation was affected by pH, temperature and glucose concentration. The optimal conditions for phenol removal were found at pH 7.5 (82.63%), temperature 30°C (78.69%) and 0.25% supplemented glucose level (98.28%). It can be concluded that this strain has remarkable potential for application in bioremediation and wastewater treatment, especially in detoxification of phenolic waste. The significance & impact of the study is the utilization of native bacterial strains isolated from the waste water itself having potential for environmental bioremediation in the activated sludge process of a FETP Plant.

Pseudomonas, bioremediation, FETP, bioaugmentation