Experimental Study on Micro-biological Degradation of 1, 3, 5-TMB in Groundwater

1, 3, 5-TMB (trimethylbenzene) has been considered as priority pollutant by several environmental agencies due to its high toxicity, carcinogenicity and mutagenic activity. Two bacteria with ability of degrading 1, 3, 5- TMB were isolated from crude oil contaminated soil. The optimal pH value and temperature for the growth of these bacteria were 7.0 and 30 ℃. 1, 3, 5- TMB was used as sole carbon and energy source by both strains. Strain A was identified as Staphylococcus sciuri and Strain C was Microbacterium schleiferi, both of which were facultative anaerobic bacteria. 1, 3, 5-TMB was degraded by strain C with efficiency of 41.2±1.8%. The bacteria offered new source for biodegradation of BTEX and bioremediation of oil-contaminated soil and groundwater.