Fig. 1 also shows the effect of surfactants on the degradation of
chrysene. The highest degradation ratewas obtained with tween 80
(49%) after 30 days of incubation. When the present cultures were
supplemented with tween 80, degradation rates were about 2-fold
higher than those obtained in control cultures (without tween 80).
Furthermore, enzyme activity levels were maintained throughout
the culture, which might be correlated with a greater stability of
the isoenzyme produced. One of the benefits of using surfactants
like tween 80 is a better dissolution of the very hydrophobic substrates
[31]. On the other hand, tween 80 promotes both the uptake