Isolation of bacterial culture capable of degrading triphenyltin pesticides

Abstract

A bacterial culture capable of degrading triphenyltin hydroxide (TPTOH) was successfully isolated from soil samples taken at a dockyard area in Samutprakarn province, Thailand. It was purified, identified and designated as Pseudomonas putida no. C. The bacterium isolated was found to have the capability of degrading TPTOH at levels of 7.0 ppm in 24 h. The addition of glucose enhanced the extent of degradation of TPTOH. Experiments were also conducted to immobilize P. putida no. C on various supports such as sand, cotton fibre and alginate. It was found that alginate was the best support material. Immobilized P. putida no. C on alginate was found to possess suitable characteristics and potential for future development in the removal of TPTOH from water and waste water systems. Copyright © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.