Analysis of microbial hydrocarbon degradation using TLC-FID
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-16, 07:40authored byCavanagh, JE, Juhasz, AL, Peter Nichols, Franzmann, PD, Thomas McMeekinThomas McMeekin
Biodegradation of the hydrocarbons, tetradecane and phenanthrene, by mixed and pure cultures of Antarctic bacteria was measured using thin layer chromatography-flame ionisation detection (TLC-FID). Losses of up to 65% of tetradecane and complete degradation of phenanthrene with concurrent increases in bacterial biomass, measured by polar lipid concentration, were observed. TLC-FID has advantages over other analytical techniques used to monitor hydrocarbon biodegradation by enabling a number of samples to be replicated and run simultaneously in a short period of time. TLC-FID analysis enables three samples to be run in triplicate and analysed in 45 min. Analysis time may be further reduced if only one compound class is present in the samples. The TLC-FID system can detect concentrations as low as 0.1 μg/μl, as applied on the chromarods, with a reproducibility of ± 10%. Biodegradation of low molecular weight hydrocarbons, while not accurately quantitated using TLC-FID, could be qualitatively assessed using this system.
History
Publication title
Journal of Microbiological Methods
Volume
22
Pagination
119-130
ISSN
0167-7012
Department/School
Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA)
Publisher
Elsevier Science Bv
Place of publication
USA
Repository Status
Restricted
Socio-economic Objectives
Other environmental management not elsewhere classified