Isolation of bacterial strains which capable of degrading organotin compounds

Abstract

The removal of organotin pesticides triphenyltin hydroxide (TPTOH) in aqueous solution by microorganisms was studied. A bacterial culture capable of degrading the TPTOH was successfully isouated from soil sample obtained from Samutparkarn province Thailand and was purified identified and designated as Pseudomons putida no. C. Assay of TPTOH was carried out using spectrofluorometric method. The newly isolated bacteria was found to have capability in degrading the TPTOH at the level of 7.0 ppm in 24 hr. Addition of glucose enhanced the degradation of TPTOH. Experiments were conducted to immobilize P. putida no. C. on various supports such as sand cotton fiver and alginate. It was found that the method using alginate was the best method. Removal of TPTOH by immobilized P. putida no. C in alginate was found to possess suitable characteristics and potentials for future development in the removal of TPTOH from waste materials.