In the present study five different types of alkylphenols, each of the two different types of mono and
poly-aromatic hydrocarbons were selected for degradation, and conversion into
poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) using the Bacillus sp. CYR1. Strain CYR1 showed growth with various toxic
organic compounds. Degradation pattern of all the organic compounds at 100 mg/l concentration with or
without addition of tween-80 were analyzed using high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Strain
CYR1 showed good removal of compounds in the presence of tween-80 within 3 days, but it took 6 days
without addition of tween-80. Strain CYR1 showed highest PHB production with phenol (51 ± 5%),
naphthalene (42 ± 4%), 4-chlorophenol (32 ± 3%) and 4-nonylphenol (29 ± 3%). The functional groups,
structure, and thermal properties of the produced PHB were analyzed. These results denoted that the
strain Bacillus sp. CYR1 can be used for conversion of different toxic compounds persistent in wastewaters
into useable biological polyesters.