BTEX biodegradation by Paenibacillus antri RBB7 isolated from the persian gulf coast

BTEX, comprising benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene, are toxic and carcinogenic compounds known to pose health risks to both humans and other living organisms. The objective of this study was to isolate the bacteria capable of biodegrading these compounds. Competent bacteria were selected and a GC–MS analysis was conducted for the evaluation of BTEX biodegradation on the 14 th day. Additionally, the growth of the bacterium was assessed in the presence of naphthalene, crude oil and diesel. Universal bacterial primers were employed for the molecular characterization of this bacterium. Subsequently, we searched for five genes associated with the biodegradation of petroleum compounds in this bacterium. The results revealed that this bacterium degrades over 98% of BTEX compounds without generating any byproducts. Although this bacterium exhibited a growth when diesel was the sole carbon source, it was unable to biodegrade naphthalene and crude oil. The molecular characterization showed that this bacterium has 97% similarity with Paenibacillus antri. Using PCR, the presence of two genes, tol and akbA, was confirmed. These genes are involved in the production of oxygenases. Consequently, this bacterium looks promising for BTEX bioremediation in groundwaters.