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Prospecting Microbial Strains for Bioremediation and Probiotics Development for Metaorganism Research and Preservation
Published on: October 31, 2019
Pressate from peat dewatering as a substrate for bacterial growth
1Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 2A7.
Applied and Environmental Microbiology
|July 1, 1985
Summary
Fuel-grade peat drying water can support microbial growth for producing valuable compounds like chitosan and surfactants. Nutrient supplementation enhances yields, and biological treatment makes the water safe for environmental release.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
Background:
- Fuel-grade peat drying generates wastewater with significant organic content.
- This expressed peat water presents a potential substrate for microbial cultivation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of expressed peat water as a substrate for microbial production of valuable biomaterials.
- To determine the impact of nutrient supplementation on product yields.
- To assess the environmental suitability of treated peat water.
Main Methods:
- Microbial cultivation using expressed peat water from highly humified peat.
- Analysis of chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the expressed water.
- Production and identification of biomaterials including chitosan, xanthan gum, pullulan, and surfactants.
- Optimization of product yield through nutrient addition (peptone, yeast extract, glucose).
- Biological treatment of wastewater for environmental assessment.
Main Results:
- Expressed peat water (COD 690 mg/L) supported the growth of Rhizopus arrhizus, Xanthomonas campestris, Aureobasidium pullulans, and Bacillus subtilis.
- Production of chitosan, xanthan gum, pullulan, and effective biosurfactants was achieved.
- Nutrient supplementation significantly improved the yields of these microbial products.
- Biological treatment rendered the wastewater suitable for environmental discharge.
Conclusions:
- Expressed peat water is a viable and sustainable substrate for microbial biosynthesis of valuable bioproducts.
- Peat wastewater valorization through microbial processes offers economic and environmental benefits.
- This approach contributes to the circular economy by transforming waste into valuable resources.
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