The enhancement of 2-chlorophenol degradation by a mixed microbial community when augmented with Pseudomonas putida CP1

The effect of the introduction of Pseudomonas putida CP1 to a commercial mixed microbial community for the degradation of 1.56 mM 2-chlorophenol was investigated. Degradation of 2-chlorophenol by the commercial mixture was via a meta-cleavage pathway leading to incomplete degradation, while P. putida CP1 was shown to be capable of the complete degradation of 2-chlorophenol via an ortho-cleavage pathway. Augmentation of the commercial mixed culture with P. putida CP1 resulted in complete degradation of 2-chlorophenol via an ortho-cleavage pathway. The augmented mixed culture displayed increased degradative capabilities, with times of degradation reduced when compared to those achieved by P. putida CP1 in isolation. The ability of P. putida CP1 to degrade 2-chlorophenol was increased with the addition of increasing concentrations of the mixed culture. Increasing the mixed culture inoculum size added to P. putida CP1 decreased lag periods and increased rates of degradation, resulting in decreased times of degradation.