Related Experiment Videos
[Isolation and selection of methylamines and dimethyl formamide degrading microorganisms]
Abstract:
From an activated sludge sample, microorganisms capable to degrade monomethylamine (MMA), dimethylamine (DMA), trimethylamine (TMA), and dimethylformamide (DMF) were isolated. These compounds are present in the wastewaters from a petrochemical plant. Microbial communities were cultivated, in aerobic conditions in a 2-liter bioreactor fed with the wastewater. Only four different kinds of microorganisms were obtained, but they could maintain their degradative capacity after several transfers. This microbial biomass was able to reduce 90% of the dissolved pollutants in a sample of industrial wastewater, mainly MMA, DMA, TMA, and DMF, measured as dissolved organic carbon, in approximately 5 days.
Insights
Microorganisms isolated from activated sludge can degrade monomethylamine (MMA), dimethylamine (DMA), trimethylamine (TMA), and dimethylformamide (DMF) found in petrochemical wastewater. This microbial consortium effectively reduced 90% of dissolved organic carbon in industrial wastewater within five days.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Bioremediation
- Wastewater treatment
Context:
- Petrochemical plant wastewater contains challenging pollutants like monomethylamine (MMA), dimethylamine (DMA), trimethylamine (TMA), and dimethylformamide (DMF).
- Activated sludge is a potential source for microorganisms capable of degrading these specific industrial contaminants.
Purpose:
- To isolate and cultivate microorganisms from activated sludge that can degrade MMA, DMA, TMA, and DMF.
- To assess the efficiency of a microbial consortium in reducing dissolved organic carbon in industrial wastewater.
Summary:
- Four types of microorganisms were isolated and maintained their pollutant-degrading capabilities through multiple transfers.
- Cultivated under aerobic conditions in a bioreactor, the microbial biomass demonstrated a significant reduction in key pollutants.
Impact:
- Achieved a 90% reduction in dissolved pollutants, primarily MMA, DMA, TMA, and DMF, within approximately five days.
- Demonstrates the potential for bioremediation of complex industrial effluents using specialized microbial communities.