Present study is aimed at biodegradation of phenol using pure and mixed
culture bacteria. The experiments are carried out at ambient temperature and near
neutral pH for 100mg/liter and 200mg/liter phenol concentrations. The Biomass
growth and the removal efficiency for both cultures have been established. The time
required for complete removal of phenol using pure culture was found to be higher
than that of mixed culture for both concentrations of phenol considered. The lag
phases for biomass growth for mixed as well pure culture have been established.
Considering the problems associated with pure culture, use of mixed culture in place
of pure culture is proposed.