Biodegradation of 2,4 - Di-tert-butylphenol (2,4 DTBP) by Bacteria Isolates from Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plant

Abstract

2,4 Diterbutylphenol (2,4-DTBP) is a widely used antioxidant and stabilizer in various industrial applications including polymers, plastics, rubber, lubricants, adhesives, and fuels. 2,4-DTBP is used as an intermediate in the synthesis of other chemicals and as a component in the formulation of personal care products and pharmaceuticals. Despite its beneficial properties, 2,4-DTBP poses environmental and health risks due to its persistence, bioaccumulation potential, and toxicity to aquatic organisms and humans. The biodegradation of 2,4-ditertbutylphenol (2,4-DTBP) was investigated in this study. The degradation of 2,4-DTBP was carried out using bacteria isolated which were isolated from industrial waste water samples. Material and methods involved the isolation and characterization of bacteria isolates, optimization of degradation conditions, and analysis of degradation products. Identification was carried out through biochemical and morphological characteristics, 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis was used for bacteria isolate identification. Four bacteria isolates were successfully isolated and identified, this were isolate D2 (Pandoraea sp.), isolate D3 (Lysinibacillus sp.), isolate D5 (Serratia sp..), isolate D7 (Bacillus sp.). HPLC test were conducted to determine the degradation rate of the bacteria isolates. Results showed significant degradation of 2,4-DTBP by the bacteria isolates, with bacteria isolate D3 (Lysinibacillus sp.) having the highest degradation rates reaching up to 89.31% after seven days of incubation. GC-MS analysis was performed to identify potential metabolites. Discussion of the results highlights the potential of microbial biodegradation as a promising approach for remediation of 2,4-DTBP-contaminated environments.