UTILIZATION OF SOME PHENOLIC-COMPOUNDS BY AZOTOBACTER-CHROOCOCCUM AND THEIR EFFECT ON GROWTH AND NITROGENASE ACTIVITY

Azotobacter chroococcum was isolated from straw-amended soil and found to utilize 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, resorcinol, pyrocatechol and vanillic acid as sole carbon source. Growth and nitrogenase activity of A. chroococcum were supported by 8, 6 and 4 mmol/L of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, resorcinol and pyrocatechol, respectively, The generation time of 1.71 h in 4-hydroxybenzoic acid did not significantly differ from the generation time of 1.64 h, observed when grown in mannitol. 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid was utilized rapidly However, the decomposition of other tested phenolic compounds set in only slowly. It was concluded that this isolate has good potential to utilize some phenolic compounds released during biodegradation of plant wastes.