Document Type

Honors Project

First Advisor

Dr. Stephen Baron

Degree Award Date

Spring 1997

Keywords

Isolation, Identification, Bacteria, Biodegradation, Phenol

Disciplines

Bacteriology | Biology | Laboratory and Basic Science Research

Abstract

The isolation of a strain of bacteria capable of the biodegradation of phenol was demonstrated in two manners. First, the process of biodegradation was observed through the growth of colonies of bacteria that were seemingly unaffected by the phenol in the medium upon which they grew. The second demonstration of this biodegradation was found in the dissipation of the odor of phenol from the medium, which could only have occurred upon its degradation. This process was most clearly demonstrated using a technique known as gradient plate isolation.

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