Biodegradation of furfuryl alcohol by indigenous Bacillus species of industrial effluent-contaminated sites: estimation, biokinetics and toxicity assessment of bio-transformed metabolites

AbstractFurfuryl alcohol (FA) and other furanic compounds have garnered considerable attention in the quest for sustainable alternatives. FA-based resins have been used in various sectors that entail the release of FA into the environment. Hence, to ensure sustainability in this scenario, devising a dependable approach to its degradation is imperative. Given the crucial role of bacterial strains in the biodegradation of various organic pollutants, this study investigates the microbial degradation of FA, using bacterial strains isolated from sites that are constantly exposed to industrial waste. Three potential isolates were identified asB. paramycoides,B. cereus, andB. tequilensis by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. At a concentration of 300  µg/ml, these isolates demonstrated efficient FA degradation; 60–70% (at 300 µg/ml FA) and 50–60%, (at 500 µg/ml FA). Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis further supported the result that the bacterial isolates consumed FA as the carbon source. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS) facilitates the detection of the major metabolic intermediate product in which FA gets transformed. The prominent peaks at 113 and 119 m/z obtained in the MS spectra of the degraded FA samples indicated the possibility of th e conversion of FA into furoic acid or levulinic acid. The phytotoxicity bioassay findings revealed the non-toxic nature of the bio-transformed products a...
Source: World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology - Category: Microbiology Source Type: research