Growth of three bacteria in arsenic solution and their application for arsenic removal from wastewater

The present paper compares the arsenic removal capacities of three bacterial strains namely, Ralstonia eutropha MTCC 2487, Pseudomonas putida MTCC 1194 and Bacillus indicus MTCC 4374 form wastewater (simulated acid mine drainage) containing arsenic (As(III):As(V)::1:1), Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn in the concentration of 15 mg/l, 10 mg/l, 2 mg/l, 5 mg/l and 10 mg/l respectively, in bulk liquid phase. Growth patterns of these bacteria in presence of arsenic in solution as well as under starvation have also been investigated as the acid mine drainage normally does not contain organic carbon and also contains high arsenic. At the nutrient broth concentration of 1.25 g/l and in presence of 15 mg/l arsenic sufficient growth of these strains have been observed. However, growth of Ralstonia eutropha MTCC 2487 has been found slightly more than Pseudomonas putida MTCC 1194 and Bacillus indicus MTCC 4374. Arsenic removal capacities of Ralstonia eutropha MTCC 2487, Pseudomonas putida MTCC 1194 and Bacillus indicus MTCC 4374 from simulated acid mine drainage are approximately 67%, 60% and 61% respectively. It has also been observed that arsenic concentration of 15 mg/l prolongs the stationary phase of these strains. pH and temperature for the above studies have been maintained at 7.1 +/- 0.1 and 29 +/- 1 degrees C, respectively.