Modeling the biodegradation efficiency and growth of Pseudomonas alcaligenes utilizing 2,4 dichlorophenol as a carbon source Pre- and Post-exposure to UV radiation

A bacterial strain capable of utilizing 2,4-dichlorophenol as the sole carbon source was isolated by using enrichment and isolation techniques. The strain was identified as Pseudomonas alcaligenes. Ultraviolet radiation was used to enhance the biodegradation efficiency of the isolated bacterium. The growth pre- and post-irradiation of the isolated bacterium was modeled using nonlinear equations. Furthermore, the biodegradation efficiency of 2,4-dichlorophenol at temperatures of 25, 30, 35 and 40 ºC and pH values of 6.5, 7 and 8 was modeled using Gompertz type equations. The models indicated that ultraviolet irradiation enhanced the growth capabilities of the Pseudomonas alcaligenes and that the highest biodegradation efficiency reached 79% at 35 ºC and pH 7.