Use As Bioremediation Agents
Some members of the genus Pseudomonas are able to metabolise chemical pollutants in the environment, and as a result can be used for bioremediation. Notable species demonstrated as suitable for use as bioremediation agents include:
- P. alcaligenes, which can degrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
- P. mendocina, which is able to degrade toluene.
- P. pseudoalcaligenes is able to use cyanide as a nitrogen source.
- P. resinovorans can degrade carbazole.
- P. veronii has been shown to degrade a variety of simple aromatic organic compounds.
- P. putida has the ability to degrade organic solvents such as toluene. At least one strain of this bacterium is able to convert morphine in aqueous solution into the stronger and somewhat expensive to manufacture drug hydromorphone (Dilaudid).
- Strain KC of P. stutzeri is able to degrade carbon tetrachloride.
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