Substrate interactions between BTEX, indene, indane and naphthalene and their effect on biodegradation and indigenous microbial community

BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene) is a common pollutant and is often found in gasworks 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 gasworks sites, understanding potential interactions is necessary for design and optimization of engineered bioremediation processes for the treatment of sites that are contaminated for decades.