Anthracene degradation by Achromobacter xylosoxidans strain BUK_BTEG6 isolated from petrochemical contaminated soil

In recent years, the degradation of pollutants by microorganisms has emerged as a feasible and cost-effective strategy for restoring the quality of the environment. Anthracene is an integral part of many carcinogenic polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and causes skin irritation. The aimed of the study is to investigate the anthracene-degrading ability bacteria and from environmental samples and characterized them using an enrichment technique. The bacterial strain was identified as Achromobacter xylosoxidans based on molecular identification achieved via 16SrRNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. The strain, designated as BUK_BTEG6 (accession number OM52853), was found to efficiently degrade anthracene as the sole carbon and energy source. A one factor at a time (OFAT) approach was utilized to determine the optimal growth factors that include substrate concentration, temperature, pH, and inoculum size. Results indicated that 400-600 mg/L was found as the optimal growth conditions as substrate concentration with temperature to be 35 °C, pH of 7.5 after 72 hours of incubation. Moreover, the GC-MS analysis of the culture medium confirmed the presence of degradation metabolites such as 9-10 anthraquinone, anthracene cis 1,2 dihydro diol, catechol, and cis-cis muconic acid. This isolate represents a potential candidate for use in environmental bioremediation strategies aimed at eliminating anthracene contamination from the environment.