Biodegradation of Phenol and 4-Chlorophenol by Candida tropicalis W1

Candida tropicalis W1 was isolated from the sludge in Yantai of China by selective enrichment with phenol. The biodegradation studies were performed in a liquid medium with phenolic compounds as the sole source of carbon and energy. The strain had degraded phenol concentration of 900 ppm in 30 h, but had no marked degradation activity on 4-chlorophenol. Supplying the strain with phenol and 4-chlorophenol both at 150 ppm, C. tropicalis W1 could completely degrade them in 20 h. The results demonstrate that the phenol can induce the degradation of 4- chlorophenol.