A rapid screening method for bacteria degrading polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Aims: A rapid procedure was developed to screen for bacteria that are able to grow on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Methods and Results: A drop of ethyl ether-dissolved PAH is spread on a sterilized cellulose acetate/nitrate filter lying on the top of a mineral salts agarose plate. After the evaporation of ethyl ether, a serially diluted sample is spread over the filter and incubated. Subsequently, the PAH degrading bacteria can be counted and isolated. Conclusions: This procedure is a simple method for screening bacterial isolates for the ability to grow with PAHs. Significance and Impact of the Study: This technique is rapid to screen and/or count PAH-degrading bacteria and is also used to streak cultivation without disrupting the PAH layer on plate.