Characterization of diverse Acinetobacter isolates for utilization of multiple aromatic compounds

This study demonstrates the multiple catabolic capacities of lab isolates belonging to the genus Acinetobacter. Thirty-one Acinetobacter strains were screened initially for their capacity to utilize ten substrates that includes monocyclic, heterocyclic and polycyclic aromatic compounds. These bacteria were isolated from activated biomass of different effluent treatment plants (ETPs) treating wastewater generated at different industries and selected based on partial sequence data of the 16S rRNA gene. Of these 31 isolates, preliminary plate assay results showed eleven isolates that could utilize multiple substrates. Analytical studies demonstrated multiple degradation of hydrocarbons dibenzothiophene, fluorene, dibenzofuran, benzyl sulfide, and sodium benzoate by two isolates, HPC311 and HPC159.