Molecular, Biochemical, and Phenotypic Identification of Phenol and Cresol Degrading Acinetobacter baumanni Strain Selected from Al-Rumaila Oil Well

Abstract

Background: phenol and cresol are dangerous compounds that have harmful effects on aquatic life, plants
and, many other organisms. Therefore, it is necessary to effectively eliminate these compounds to protect
the environment.
Aim: The aim of this study is to select and characterizebacterial strain(s) from oil contaminated soils and
testing its ability for biodegrading phenol and cresol.
Methods: Biochemical tests were performed in addition to morphological and molecular detection through
16S rRNA analysis to identify the selected strain after growing on Mineral salts medium (MM) containing
phenol or cresol . The residual concentration of phenol and cresol was analyzed over the time period by
means of the 4-aminoantipyrine assay .
Results: the selected strain was identified as Acinetobacter baumannii strain HILLA-1, and it was able to
remove 100% of the phenol at all the used concentrationsafter 48 h. This strain was also able to degrade 100%
of cresol at concentrations (25,50,75,100,200 ppm /L) and99.37%,88.69%,and 94.73% at concentrations
(300,400,500 ppm /L) respectivelyafter 48 h.
Conclusion: The selected and identified Acinetobacter baumannii strain HILLA-1 can provide a putative
source for bioremediation of phenol and cresol contaminated environments.