Microbial degradation of quinoline: Kinetic studies with Comamonas acidovorans DSM 6426

The microbial degradation of quinoline by Comamonas acidovorans was studied in a laboratory scale stirred tank reactor. In continuous culture experiments using quinoline as a sole source of carbon and nitrogen, it was shown by means of mass balances that quinoline was converted completely to biomass, carbon dioxide, and ammonia. Degradation rates up to 0.7 g/L h were obtained. Measured yield coefficients Y(x/s) for quinoline were about 0.7 g/g, which is in agreement with the theoretical value for complete mineralization. Kinetic constants based on Haldane substrate inhibition were evaluated. The values were micro(max) = 0.48 h(-1), K(i) = 69 mg/L, and K(s) < 1.45 mg/L.