G. ANNADURAI AND R. MALAISAMY
Abstract
Biodegradation of o-Cresol by the Pseudornonas pictorurn 2074]- immobilized on to polyurethane matrix played an important role in reducing the toxicity of o-Cresol. The biodegradation was carried out using the Box-Behnken model, analysis of variance has been applied to the experimental degradation studies. Box-Behnken method with three levels of o-Cresol concentration (0.10, 0.15 and 0.20 g/ 1), temperature (30°C, 32°C and 34°C) and pH (7 .0, 8.0 and 9.0) were used in the identification of significant effects and interaction in the biodegradation studies. The predicted values from Box-Behnken model were found to be in close agreement with experimental values, as indicated by the correlation coefficient values of 0.9999. Optimum condition of variables for the maximum biodegradation of o-Cresol to 84.5% is, o-Cresol concentration 0.10g/1, temperature 32° C and pH 7.0.