Characterization of diverse Acinetobacter isolates for utilization of multiple aromatic compounds
K Thangaraj1, Atya Kapley, Hemant J Purohit
1Environmental Genomics Unit, National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440 020, India.
Bioresource Technology
|July 3, 2007
Summary
This study highlights the versatile catabolic abilities of Acinetobacter bacteria found in industrial wastewater. Two specific strains, HPC311 and HPC159, effectively degraded multiple aromatic compounds, showcasing their bioremediation potential.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Bioremediation
- Wastewater Treatment
Background:
- Industrial wastewater often contains recalcitrant aromatic compounds.
- Microbial communities in effluent treatment plants (ETPs) possess potential for pollutant degradation.
- The genus Acinetobacter is known for its metabolic versatility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To screen Acinetobacter isolates from ETPs for their ability to degrade various aromatic compounds.
- To identify specific strains with multiple catabolic capacities for bioremediation applications.
- To analyze the degradation capabilities of selected isolates on diverse hydrocarbon substrates.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of Acinetobacter strains from activated biomass of industrial ETPs.
- Screening of 31 isolates for utilization of ten different aromatic substrates using plate assays.
- Partial sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene for isolate identification.
- Analytical studies to confirm multiple hydrocarbon degradation by promising isolates.
Main Results:
- Eleven out of 31 Acinetobacter isolates demonstrated the ability to utilize multiple substrates.
- Two isolates, HPC311 and HPC159, exhibited significant multiple degradation capabilities.
- These two isolates were confirmed to degrade hydrocarbons including dibenzothiophene, fluorene, dibenzofuran, benzyl sulfide, and sodium benzoate.
Conclusions:
- Acinetobacter strains isolated from industrial ETPs possess diverse catabolic potentials.
- Isolates HPC311 and HPC159 are promising candidates for bioremediation of complex aromatic pollutants.
- This study underscores the utility of Acinetobacter in treating industrial wastewater contaminated with hydrocarbons.
