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Biodegradation of tributyl phosphate using Klebsiella pneumoniae sp. S3

  • Environmental biotechnology
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Abstract

Tributyl phosphate (TBP) has enormous applications in the field of extraction, fuel reprocessing, as defoamers and/or plasticizers. Excessive usage of this organophosphorus compound, poses an environmental threat. The present study deals with microbial degradation of TBP using Klebsiella pneumoniae S3 isolated from the soil. Diauxic growth curve pattern explains a preferential utilization of TBP. The strain S3 was able to biotransform TBP (1,000 mg L−1) to dibutyl phosphate within 48 h and showed higher tolerance towards TBP up to 17.0 g L−1. Toxicity of the parent as well as degraded product was assessed using comet assay. Generation of reactive oxygen species elaborates the oxidative stress imposed upon the bacterial strain by TBP. The antioxidant defense mechanism was studied using various biomarkers namely catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, and superoxide dismutase. The present study describes a faster and eco-friendly alternative for disposal of TBP.

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Acknowledgments

The author SVK would like to thank Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai and University of Pune, Pune (BARC-UoP) collaborative program for providing financial support. The author VLM wishes to thank University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi, India for the research fellowship. The authors wish to thank the Sophisticated Analytical Instrumentation Facility (SAIF), IIT, Mumbai, India for providing the GC-HRMS facility.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biochemistry Division, Department of Chemistry, University of Pune, Pune, 411007, India

    S. V. Kulkarni, V. L. Markad & K. M. Kodam

  2. Nuclear Agriculture and Biotechnology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Anushakti Nagar, Trombay, Mumbai, 400085, India

    J. S. Melo & S. F. D’Souza

Authors
  1. S. V. Kulkarni
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  2. V. L. Markad
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  3. J. S. Melo
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  4. S. F. D’Souza
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  5. K. M. Kodam
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to K. M. Kodam.

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Kulkarni, S.V., Markad, V.L., Melo, J.S. et al. Biodegradation of tributyl phosphate using Klebsiella pneumoniae sp. S3. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 98, 919–929 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-013-4938-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-013-4938-2

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