After 10 days, only the flask that was inoculated with CC
showed microbial growth. The concentration of PHE was measured
in the culture medium and was reduced approximately
90% compared to the initial concentration. Therefore, the isolated
colony was able to use PHE as sole source of carbon and
energy. In order to characterize and identify this colony, both
biochemical and physiological characteristics were studied in
detail (Fig. 1). Gram staining was performed and the isolated
CC was examined under microscope with 1000× magnification.
The isolated was determined to be gram-positive, spore
forming, rod-shaped and without flagella (Fig. 1b). SEM micrographs
of the isolated CC were carried out in order to show
in detail its morphological appearance (Fig. 1d and e). Both
Bacillus and Streptobacillus were clearly observed in all of these
figures. The isolate showed an average size of 3–5m long
and 1m wide. Enzymatic activities of catalase and laccase
were also evaluated and it was determined that only catalase
activity was present (Fig. 1c).