Growth and plasmid-encoded naphthalene catabolism of Pseudomonas putida in batch culture.

The growth characteristics of Pseudomonas putida plasmid-harbouring strains which catabolize naphthalene via various pathways in batch culture with naphthalene as the sole source of carbon and energy have been investigated. The strains under study were constructed using the host strain P. putida BS394 which contained various naphthalene degradation plasmids. The highest specific growth rate was ensured by the plasmids that control naphthalene catabolism through the meta-pathway of catechol oxidation. The strains metabolizing catechol via the ortho-pathway grew at a lower rate. The lowest growth rate was observed with strain BS291 harbouring plasmid pBS4 which controls naphthalene catabolism via the gentistic acid pathway. Various pathways of naphthalene catabolism appear to allow these strains to grow at various rates which should be taken into account when constructing efficient degraders of polycyclic aromatic compounds.