Eco-efficient Pseudomonas-Rhodococcus combination technique to boost the BTEX degradation.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Microbiology
• Bioremediation Science

Background:

• Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and o-xylene (BTEX) are common industrial pollutants.
• Effective bioremediation strategies are crucial for mitigating BTEX contamination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the aerobic biodegradation potential of Pseudomonas aeruginosa DUT-Pa and Rhodococcus erythropolis DUT-Re on BTEX.
• To determine optimal conditions for bacterial metabolic activity and BTEX degradation.
• To evaluate the synergistic effects of combining these bacterial strains for enhanced bioremediation.

Main Methods:

• Culturing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa DUT-Pa and Rhodococcus erythropolis DUT-Re.
• Optimization of environmental parameters (pH, temperature).
• Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and dissolved oxygen (DO) analysis.
• Gas and liquid phase BTEX concentration monitoring.
• Assessment of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels.

Main Results:

• Optimal degradation occurred at neutral pH (7.0) and 30°C.
• BOD correlated positively with substrate concentration up to 400 mg/L.
• High degradation rates observed for benzene (gas phase) and toluene (liquid phase).
• Combined bacterial strains showed enhanced degradation efficiency and shorter half-lives for BTEX.
• Increased SOD and MDA levels in the mixed system indicated microbial stress and activity.

Conclusions:

• Pseudomonas aeruginosa DUT-Pa and Rhodococcus erythropolis DUT-Re are effective BTEX degraders.
• Bacterial synergy significantly enhances BTEX biodegradation rates and efficiency.
• The combined strain approach presents a promising, scalable, and eco-friendly bioremediation strategy.