Anthracene, a tricyclic aromatic hydrocarbon is used as an indicator compound to detect PAHs contamination in environment. Its removal from polluted sites is important as it causes health associated problems and being carcinogenic in nature. PAH degrading microorganism are present in various industry effluent contaminated sites. In the present study, thirty six anthracene degrading bacteria were isolated from drug industry effluent polluted soil using Bushnell Haas medium supplemented with anthracene as sole carbon and energy source. The anthracene degradation ability of these isolates were confirmed by 2, 6-dichlorophenol indophenol (2, 6-DCPIP) qualitative assay. Three bacterial isolates having highest anthracene degradation potential were selected and identified as Aeromonas hydrophila, Bacillus polymyxa and Streptococcus mutans on the basis of morphological and biochemical characteristics. The growth and pH change in the medium were assessed periodically at 1mg/ml concentration of anthracene for individual isolates as well as with consortium. The pH was decreased in all flasks; however highest decrease was observed in the medium inoculated with bacterial consortium. Similarly 94% degradation of anthracene was observed with consortium whereas B. polymyxa, A.hydrophila, and S. mutans degraded 80%, 52% and 44% of anthracene respectively. The study indicated consortium mediated biodegradation of anthracene is more effective in bioremediation of anthracene.
