4-<i>tert</i>-Octylphenol Biodegradation Performance by <i>Acinetobacter</i> Strain Immobilized in Calcium Alginate

Abstract

The 4-t-octylphenol (4-t-OP) biodegradation by alginate immobilized cells of Acinetobacter sp. was compared with its respective free cells in different media. The effects of different bead densities, pH values and practical applications of artificial seawater and wastewater on the biodegradation rate of 4-t-OP were investigated. Degradation kinetics of 4-t-OP by free and immobilized cells was well fitted with first order kinetic. The immobilized Acinetobacter sp. cells could enhance the efficiency of 4-t-OP degradation. The degradation rate and 4-t-OP half-life were 97.6% and 0.7 d, respectively. Increasing level of bead amount could also improve the degradation effects, when 400 beads per 100 mL were added, the degradation rate and 4-t-OP half-life were 96.5 % and 0.2 d respectively. The immobilized Acinetobacter sp. cells could degrade 4-t-OP both in artificial seawater and wastewater. The degradation rates were 87.7% and 84.3%, respectively, indicating its potential application of removing and biodegrading 4-t-OP under practical environment.