EARTHWORM MEDIATED BIOREMEDIATION OF PHENOLNEETHU KAMARUDHEEN, CHRISTY GEORGE, ISHANI BOSE, MYTHILI SATHIAVELU AND A. SATHIAVELUAbstract Our study dealt with the phenol bioremediation potential of Earthworms which were collected from a vermicomposting unit in Vellore, Tamil Nadu and maintained under proper growth conditions. Different concentrations of phenol ranging from 10ppm to 50ppm were taken for the assays. All the bioremediation assays were done in the soil with phenol dispersed in water and remediation rates were observed for 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, 96 hours and 120 hours. The initial concentration of phenol was increased eventually and the rate of bioremediation was estimated using 4-amino anti pyrine method. The phenol degradation activity of the gut microflora of the earthworm along with the soil microflora was also observed on a formulated media. The amount of phenol bioremediated was found higher in case of earthworm and not the microflora solely. It was found to be 30 ppm in 48 hours when the initial concentration was 50 ppm.
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