Work

Diatom Chaetoceros calcitarans MZB-1 for degrading propylbenzenes in seawater: Cultivation conditions, degradation kinetics, and influencing factors

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Accidental leakage of petrochemical products (such as C9 aromatics) containing propylbenzenes (PBZs) during maritime transport poses severe threats to marine ecosystems . In this study, a PBZs-degrading diatom, Chaetoceros calcitrans MZB-1, was isolated from the seawater close to Quangang Port, Fujian Province, China, where a serious spill of C9 aromatics previously occurred several years ago. The optimal growth conditions for this alga were pH 8.5, salinity 10 ‰, temperature 25 °C and light intensity 60 μmol/(m 2 ·s). At the optimal inoculation density (1 × 10 6 cells/mL), removal efficiencies of two PBZs, namely n-propylbenzene (n-PBZ) and isopropylbenzene (i-PBZ), were 68.6 % and 44.6 %, respectively, within 7 days. The elimination of each PBZ over time followed the first-order kinetic model. After adding 750 mg/L and 500 mg/L of NaHCO 3 into the F/2 medium, the removal efficiencies of two PBZs increased to 70.8 % and 51.2 %, respectively. These results showed that alga MZB-1 could be more effectively used for bioremediation of PBZs-contaminated seawater than the one previously isolated.

Source: Marine Environmental Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107154

Authors: Yu Leng, Yumei Li, Fanping Meng, Wenjia Sun

Institution: Ocean University of China

Language: English

Topic: Microbial bioremediation and biosurfactants

Subfield: Pollution

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Life below water, Clean water and sanitation, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,440