Degradation activity of adhered and suspended Pseudomonas cells cultured on 2,4,6-trichlorophenol, measured by indirect conductimetry

The degradation activity (expressed as specific CO₂ production rates) of adhered and suspended Pseudomonas cells, strains SP1 and SP2, during the degradation of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP), was compared using indirect conductimetry technique. This technique is defined as the measurement of CO₂ ionization in an alkaline solution and expressed as the negative conductance change values of such solution. The attachment surfaces were porous glass and silicone rubber. The 2,4,6-TCP concentrations ranged from 10 to 500 mg 1⁻¹. Specific respiration rates were determined from CO₂ evolution rates and biomass yields of both suspended and adhered cell cultures. CO₂ evolution rates were determined after conversion of conductance change values into CO₂ produced values. Results indicate that glass-adhered cells reached a higher maximum specific CO₂ evolution rate ( Q _CO2max) than both suspended and silicone rubber-adhered cells. However, suspended cells showed a lower saturation constant ( K_s ) than the adhered cells. These results suggest that depending on support nature the respiration activity of adhered cells could be higher than of suspended cells. Moreover, the indirect conductimetry technique could efficiently be used by measurements of respiration activities of both attached or suspended xenobiotic-degrading micro-organisms.