PCB metabolism by Pseudomonas sp. P2

The degradation of Delor 103, a mixture of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners, by Pseudomonas sp. P2, an indigenous soil bacterium was studied. In mineral medium with biphenyl as sole carbon source the extent of PCB degradation monitored by GC exceeded 70%. The efficiency of Delor 103 degradation by strain P2 was compared with that of Ralstonia eutropha H850. The addition of saccharose or agar improved PCB degradation, whereas the addition of glycerol or pyruvate substantially reduced the degradation efficiency. The presence of an amino acid mixture enhanced PCB degradation. The following chlorobenzoic acids (CBA): 2,5 CBA, 2,4 CBA, 4 CBA, 2 CBA and 2,5-diCBA were detected as metabolites of Delor 103, with 2,5-diCBA as the major product. Although 2,5-diCBA inhibited the growth of Pseudomonas sp. P2 the degradation of 2,5-diCBA was unaffected for upto 14 days.