T.M. USHA MARY, S. NAGARAJAN AND M. SWAMINATHAN
Abstract
Thiocyanate is present in appreciable concentrations in the coal carbonization wastewater along with other toxicants. This paper encompasses studies on biodegradation of thiocyanate with three different mixed cultures obtained from carbonization wastewater, soil, cowding and domestic sewage. The effects of thiocyanate, phenol and pH on the growth of these cultures have been studied. Results indicate that the growth of the soil culture is more with increase in thiocyanate concentration and in the presence of phenol than the cowdung and sewage cultures. The optimum pH for the growth of all the three cultures is found to be around 8. Soil culture is found to be more efficient in the degradation of thiocyanate than the other two cultures.