Biodegradation of phenol by Pseudomonas stutzeri OX1

Preliminary results on phenol conversion by Pseudomonas stutzeri OX1 are reported. Conversion was carried out under controlled operating conditions both in Erlenmeyer flasks and in a biofilm airlift reactor. Luria-Bertani and synthetic media were used. Phenol content was as large as 600 mg/L. Granular activated carbon was used as biofilm solid carriers. Phenol bioconversion was characterized in terms of yield factor (YX/S) and conversion rate. Substrate inhibition was characterized in the framework of the Andrew kinetic model. Biofilm airlift reactor was operated successfully and a first characterization of biofilm is reported