“…strain DK17 was originally isolated for the ability to grow on o-xylene and has the capability to utilize such aromatic compounds as benzene, alkylbenzenes (toluene, ethylbenzene, isopropylbenzene, and n-propyl-to n-hexylbenzenes), phenol, and phthalates as sole carbon and energy sources (2,14,15,16,17). This catabolic versatility led us to investigate the adaptability of DK17 to the presence of multiple aromatic hydrocarbons as carbon and energy sources.…”