Transformation of benzyl butyl phthalate by Pseudomonas putida and photocatalytic ZnO nanoparticles

Abstract

Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) have been classified as endocrine disrupters and are considered one of the important and high priority pollutants. Microorganisms, especially bacteria are able to bio-degrade these compounds. However, the rate of degradation is very low due the poor bioavailability of these harmful chemicals to the microbes. Therefore, long term persistence of these compounds adversely affects human health and environment. In the present study, an attempt has been made to develop an eco-friendly rapid method for the degradation of benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) using bacteria and photocatalytic nanoparticles. Pseudomonas putida was observed to degrade BBP. Preliminary observations indicated that photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanoparticles is dose and time dependent in transformation of BBP. However, the rate of transformation of photodegraded products of BBP by P. putida was similar to BBP transformation without photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanoparticles.