LAUSR

Only a small fraction of salt-tolerant phenol-degrading bacteria can be isolated by conventional plate separation methods, because most bacteria in nature are in a viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state. The aims of this study were to screen out more effective functional bacteria using resuscitation-promoting factor (Rpf), and to determine whether a mixed bacterial consortium possesses better phenol-degrading capabilities under high salinity conditions. The results indicated that three strains unique to treatment group with Rpf addition were obtained. A mixed bacterial consortium consisting of two high-efficient strains which belonged to genera Bacillus and Corynebacterium was capable of utilizing phenol as a sole source of carbon at high salinity. Complete degradation of 100 mg/L phenol at 2% NaCl concentration was achieved within 8 h. This study provides new insights into resuscitation of VBNC bacteria for enhanced treatment of phenol-laden saline wastewater.Graphical Abstract