Identification of a yeast strain able to oxidize and remove sulfide high efficiently

Hydrogen sulfide is a common odor gas of volatile sulfur-containing compound. The emission of hydrogen sulfide in the waste gas from industrial processing and agricultural operations could cause air pollution to the surrounding environment. The aim of this study was screening and isolation of wild yeast strains from the sludge of sewage pool in the fishmeal processing plant to remove hydrogen sulfide odor. A yeast strain ZJY-7 was obtained. Its hydrogen sulfide removal efficiency was 97.1 %. The morphology studies were investigated using microscope and scanning electron microscope. The yeast isolate was then identified by biochemical tests using API 20 C AUX strip and sequencing 26S rDNA genes. Both biochemical tests analysis and the molecular identification indicated that the yeast isolate ZJY-7 was Candida tropicalis ZJY-7. The NCBI GenBank accession number is KX259479. Batch tests showed that the yeast strain tolerated up to 300 mg/l of dissolved S^2- concentration. The yeast also tolerated a wide pH range (2.5-9.0). The optimal initial sulfide concentration of C. tropicalis ZJY-7 on sulfide oxidation and sulfate generation was 200 mg/l, and at initial pH value 6. The highest accumulated sulfate was 91.8 mg/l at 48 h. These results broadened the range of sulfide-oxidizing organism and new application of C. tropicalis on the control of hydrogen sulfide odor pollution. The yeast may have potential to be used in bioreactor for removal of hydrogen sulfide gas.