Effects of different mineral supplements on fertilization of phenol-contaminated soils by Corynebacterium glutamicum

This study focused on the effects of different mineral supplements on the ability of Corynebacterium glutamicum to degrade phenol in contaminated soil and convert the phenol into useful amino acids. Three types of minerals including FeSO₄, MgSO₄, and MnSO₄ were added at several concentrations to C. glutamicum culture media containing 1% yeast extract prior to treating the soil samples with 4.24 mM phenol. The reactor was incubated at 30°C and 150 rpm for 3 days, and the treated soil was sampled daily and analyzed using gas chromatography for residual phenol and the amino acids produced. Additionally, a plant toxicity assay was employed to examine the fertilization of the phenol-contaminated soil after C. glutamicum treatment supplemented with the three minerals. Our results suggested that among various tested concentrations, 72 μM of iron showed a significant effect on the utilization of phenol by C. glutamicum for conversion to amino acids, therefore enhancing fertilization of the phenol-contaminated soil.