Bio-Degradation of Phenol and Phenolic Compounds

Increase in the concentration of phenol in the environment is due to its extensive applications such as its utility in the manufacturing of pesticides, paint, coating, mouldings, dyes, herbicides, disinfectants, antiseptics, slimicides and medicinal products. However, hematotoxic and hepatotoxic nature of phenol causes mutagenesis and carcinogenesis in humans and other living beings, also it functions as a protoplasmic toxin and denatures proteins. Additionally, it damages peripheral nerves by demyelinating axons as well as its presence in waste water at dangerously high levels has a carcinogenic impact. There are several organic and inorganic methods to remove phenol in waste water treatment which includes solvent extraction, chemical oxidation, microbiological degradation, and adsorption on various matrices. However, these processes are not cost effective and can produce dangerous by-products, among other major problems. Thus, biological degradation is preferred due to its low cost and complete mineralization. Microbial degradation of Phenol under aerobic and anaerobic conditions have been reported and there are various methods to isolate these microorganisms from the environment. As bio-degradation of phenol is a cost-effective method, this chapter describes about the different phenol sources, different microbes engaged in the biodegradation, including aerobe and anaerobe and the impact of environmental conditions on phenol degradation.