Substrate interactions of BTEX, indene, indane and naphthalene mixtures and the multi-substrate effect on the indigenous microbial community. Substrate interactions of BTEX, indene, indane and naphthalene mixtures and the multi-substrate effect on the indigenous microbial community

BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene) is a common pollutant and is often found in gas work sites together with other contaminants. In this study substrate interactions between BTEX, indene (Ie), indane (Ia) and naphthalene (N) was evaluated by using indigenous microorganisms coming from a former gas work site. Benzene was found to be the compound the most affected by the presence of Ie, Ia and N, while m/p-xylene was the only compound stimulated by Ie and Ia (individually or mix). Microbial analysis revealed differentiation in the microbial communities within different substrate mixtures, with Ie increasing the relative abundance of Micrococcaceae family. Because the co-occurrence of various pollutants is the norm in polluted areas like former gas work sites, understanding potential interactions is necessary for design and optimization of engineered bioremediation processes for the treatment of sites that are contaminated for decades.