An environmental isolate capable of growth on several different aromatic hydrocarbons

Pseudomonas putida F1. This strain was isolated from a polluted creek in Urbana, Illinois by enrichment culture with ethylbenzyne as a sole source of carbon and energy. Its ability to degrade several different compounds including benzene, toluene, and ethylbenzene makes this species useful in the bioremediation of sites contaminated with multiple aromatic hydrocarbons. Underground gasoline tanks which have developed leaks can contaminate soil and water with a variety of these compounds. A more detailed knowledge of the metabolic pathways which allow Pseudomonas putida F1 to degrade aromatic hydrocarbons will be invaluable for the bioremediation industry.