Biodegradation of nonionic surfactants. I. Biotransformation of 4-(1-nonyl)phenol by a Candida maltosa isolate

Results are reported concerning biodegradation of 4-(1-nonyl)phenol by cultures of a Candida maltosa strain isolated from aerobic sludge samples collected at a depuration plant treating wastewaters from a textile industry. The yeast was able to utilize 4-(1-nonyl)phenol as a sole carbon and energy source. Preliminary attempts to draw the actual metabolic pathway evidenced microbial attack on the alkyl chain with the production of 4-acetylphenol. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report describing a microorganism capable of attacking nonylphenol in axenic culture and at the same time allowing for the identification of its degradation products.