Isolation And Characterization Of A Newly Chrysene-Degrading A. aegrifaciens

Abstract Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are being considered as substances of potential human health hazards due to their resistance toward biodegradation and carcinogenic index. Chrysene is a high molecular weight (HMW)PAHs; the biodegradation of Chrysene using bacteria is recognized as an efficient, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective approach. In our study, a potential chrysene degrading bacterial strain Achromobacter (A.) aegrifaciens was isolated from crude oil-contaminated seawater. A. aegrifaciens was capable of utilizing Chrysene as sole sources of carbon and energy by showing 86% chrysene degradation on day 7, under the conditions of pH 7.0, temperature 30°C, and rotary speed 120 rpm. Bacterial counts have reached a maximum level (over 25 × 1032 CFU/mL). Furthermore, the results revealed that A. aegrifaciens produced biofilm on polystyrene at 20°Cand 30°C, as well as in the air-liquid (A-L) interface. Moreover, A. aegrifaciens were able to swim and to produce biosurfactant with an emulsification activity (E24%) over 10%. Based on the above results, A. aegrifaciens can thus be predicted as a potential candidate for bioremediation of HMW PAHs impacted environments.