Screening diesel-degrading, heavy metal-tolerant bacteria from Pichavaram.
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Screening of heavy metal tolerant and diesel degrading indigenous bacteria from pichavaram mangrove - estuarine
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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M. Jayashree, Jasmine John, S. Arunadevi, S. Venkat Kumar and A. Vidhya
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Screening of heavy metal tolerant and diesel degrading indigenous bacteria from pichavaram mangrove - estuarine
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20188-11007
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study investigates the screening of indigenous bacterial strains capable of degrading diesel and exhibiting tolerance to heavy metals sourced from the Pichavaram Mangrove–Estuarine ecosystem in Tamil Nadu, India. Mangroves, which are vital coastal ecosystems, are increasingly impacted by anthropogenic pollution, specifically from hydrocarbons and heavy metals arising from industrial activities. These pollutants pose significant risks to both human health and the environment, necessitating effective bioremediation strategies using microorganisms. The research focuses on isolating specific bacterial strains, assessing their tolerance to various heavy metals, and evaluating their potential for diesel degradation.
Heavy Metal Tolerance
The first major aspect of the study is the assessment of heavy metal tolerance among the isolated bacterial strains. The researchers employed an agar well diffusion method to screen for resistance against several heavy metal salts, including cadmium sulfate, copper sulfate, and lead acetate. The findings indicated that one isolated strain, characterized by orange pigmentation, was resilient to lead acetate, magnesium sulfate, and manganese sulfate, while it demonstrated sensitivity to zinc sulfate and mercuric chloride. This highlights the potential of certain bacterial strains to survive in environments contaminated with hazardous heavy metals, positioning them as candidates for future bioremediation efforts.
Diesel Degradation Capability
Another crucial finding pertains to the diesel degradation potential of the isolated bacteria. The isolates were subjected to a controlled laboratory experiment using Bushnell Haas broth as a medium with 1% diesel as the carbon source. The performance of the bacterial isolate was measured by observing changes in color of DCPIP, a redox indicator, transitioning from blue to colorless, indicative of hydrocarbon degradation. The results demonstrated a promising degradation efficiency of 52.9% over a 15-day incubation period. Moreover, the study confirmed significant CO2 evolution, further supporting the metabolic activity of the bacteria in degrading the diesel hydrocarbons.
Identification and Characterization
The most effective heavy metal tolerant and diesel degrading isolate was identified as Bacillus subtilis, based on a combination of morphological, biochemical tests, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Morphological analysis revealed distinctive features consistent with Bacillus species, while biochemical tests, including Gram staining and various substrate utilization assays, corroborated its classification. This thorough identification underlines the importance of characterizing microbial strains for bioremediation applications, enabling the deployment of the most efficient organisms in environmental cleanup efforts.
Conclusion
The research conclusively demonstrates that the isolated strain of Bacillus subtilis not only exhibits substantial tolerance to lead contamination but is also capable of effectively degrading diesel pollutants. The resilience of the bacterial cell wall, enriched with peptidoglycan and teichoic acid, contributes to its heavy metal tolerance. Thus, this strain has promising applications for bioremediation strategies aimed at detoxifying polluted environments. The insights gained could foster further genetic and metabolic characterizations to enhance the efficacy of bioremediation processes, ultimately leading to improved environmental health and safety.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main focus of the study conducted by Vidhya et al.?
The study focuses on screening heavy metal tolerant and diesel degrading indigenous bacteria from the Pichavaram Mangrove - Estuarine to address environmental contamination.
What method was used for isolating bacteria in the study?
Bacteria were isolated by serial dilution and plating on nutrient agar, followed by incubation at 37°C for 24 hours.
Which bacterial isolate proved to be effective in diesel degradation?
The potent isolate identified was *Bacillus subtilis*, which demonstrated heavy metal tolerance and the ability to degrade diesel.
How was heavy metal resistance tested among bacterial isolates?
Heavy metal resistance was tested using agar well diffusion method with varying concentrations of metal salt solutions.
What indicators were used to assess diesel degradation in the study?
DCPIP was used as an indicator to observe color change, indicating diesel degradation by the bacteria.
What techniques were employed to analyze the results of the study?
The study used techniques like atomic absorption spectroscopy for metal analysis, FTIR for functional groups, and dry weight measurements for biomass estimation.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Screening diesel-degrading, heavy metal-tolerant bacteria from Pichavaram.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Water:
Water is a vital component in the context of environmental studies, especially relating to aquatic ecosystems. In this research, tidal water samples from the Pichavaram Mangrove were collected to isolate indigenous bacteria, highlighting the importance of water as both a habitat and medium for microbial activity and bioremediation processes.
2) Salt (Salty):
Salt tolerance is a key characteristic of mangrove plants, adapted to thrive in coastal regions with saline conditions. The term also relates to the heavy metal tolerance tests conducted in this study, where bacteria were assessed for their ability to resist toxic metal salts, essential for bioremediation strategies.
3) Medium:
In microbiology, a medium provides essential nutrients for bacterial growth and experimentation. The Bushnell-Haes medium, used in this study, served as a growth environment for bacteria utilizing diesel as a carbon source, thus playing a crucial role in isolating and screening for diesel-degrading microorganisms.
4) Table:
Tables are vital for presenting data in a clear, concise manner. In this study, tables contained results from various experiments, such as dry weight accumulation and CO2 evolution, allowing for easy comparison of control and treatment groups and facilitating clearer understanding of the bacterial performance in degradation processes.
5) Study (Studying):
The study aims to isolate heavy metal-tolerant and diesel-degrading bacteria in mangrove environments, addressing significant environmental issues like hydrocarbon contamination and heavy metal pollution. Findings contribute to bioremediation science, presenting indigenous bacterial strains as potential agents for cleaning polluted ecosystems, thus holding ecological and economic relevance.
6) Accumulation (Accumulating, Accumulate):
Accumulate refers to the gradual buildup of substances within organisms, like heavy metals in bacteria. The study explores how certain bacterial species can effectively accumulate and sequester heavy metals from contaminated environments, serving as a prompt for biological remediation approaches that leverage these natural processes.
7) Evolution:
In this context, evolution signifies the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) as a product of microbial metabolism during hydrocarbon degradation. CO2 evolution serves as a metric for bacterial activity, indicating the effectiveness of the microbial population in breaking down harmful pollutants in contaminated environments.
8) Activity:
Activity refers to the physiological processes carried out by microorganisms, particularly in bioremediation. The study measured microbial activity through various tests, such as the degradation rate of diesel and the transformation of heavy metals, highlighting how these activities can mitigate pollution effectively.
9) Field:
The field refers to both the area of study regarding bioremediation and the physical fieldwork done in Pichavaram Mangrove. The research is part of a broader scientific domain that aims to understand and apply biological processes for environmental recovery, thus contributing to ecological sustainability.
10) Pose:
Pose indicates the potential threat or challenge to ecosystems and human health from pollution, specifically from heavy metals and hydrocarbons. The study addresses how these contaminants pose risks through toxicological effects, necessitating research into biological remediation strategies to mitigate such environmental dangers.
11) Soil:
Soil is an integral component of terrestrial ecosystems, serving as a habitat for various organisms and a medium for nutrients. This study links soil health to microbial activities in mangroves, emphasizing the impacts of contamination from heavy metals and hydrocarbons on soil microbial communities.
12) Transmission:
Transmission in this context pertains to the spread or transfer of pollutants, particularly industrial effluents into marine and estuarine environments. Understanding the transmission dynamics of heavy metals and hydrocarbons is crucial for developing effective remediation strategies and preventing further environmental degradation.
13) Developing:
Developing relates to both the article context and the regions affected by industrial pollution, emphasizing the need for research and strategies to remediate contaminated sites. It highlights how developing areas often experience increased exposure to pollutants, necessitating urgent action through scientific and technological advancements in bioremediation capacity.
14) Tamilnadu (Tamil-nadu):
Tamil Nadu is the geographical context of this study, housing the Pichavaram Mangrove ecosystem. The local environmental conditions and pollution issues specific to Tamil Nadu are significant for understanding the need for bioremediation solutions and make the results of the study especially relevant to the state's environmental management.
15) Container:
A container is a crucial element in laboratory protocols for sampling and transporting biological specimens. In this study, sterile containers were utilized for collecting tidal water samples from the mangrove ecosystem, ensuring the integrity of the samples for subsequent analysis and experimentation in the laboratory.
16) Observing:
Observing is fundamental to the scientific method, involving careful monitoring and data collection. In this study, observing microbial growth, degradation rates, and the effects of heavy metal exposure was vital for assessing the performance of isolated bacterial strains in bioremediation efforts.
17) Species:
Species refers to the specific types of bacteria being studied, particularly their ability to degrade hydrocarbons and withstand heavy metal toxicity. Understanding the diversity of species present in the mangrove ecosystem is essential for exploring bioremediation options, as different species possess unique metabolic capabilities for pollutant degradation.
18) Filling (Filled):
Filling in this context may refer to processes involved in sample collection or the containment of samples in laboratory settings. Proper filling of sterile containers with environmental samples is crucial for maintaining sample integrity and ensuring accurate subsequent analysis in research focused on bioremediation.
19) Jasmine:
Jasmine John, one of the authors of the study, illustrates the collaborative nature of scientific research. Authors contribute their expertise and perspectives, which enrich the research outcomes. The inclusion of multiple researchers ensures comprehensive analysis and validation of techniques and findings in the study.
20) Surface:
Surface refers to the outer layer of the nutrient agar plates used for isolating bacteria. The surface area is where bacteria grow during laboratory experiments, making the surface's preparation and condition crucial for successful isolation and screening of potential bioremediators from environmental samples.
21) India:
India serves as the geographical backdrop for this study, highlighting the importance of researching indigenous microbial strains within the country. The context of Indian ecosystems, particularly mangrove environments, underscores the local relevance of the findings for ecological conservation and bioremediation strategies designed to combat pollution.
22) Kumar:
S. Venkat Kumar, another contributing author, exemplifies the collaborative aspect of the research. Contributions from diverse authors enhance the study's scientific rigor, providing various insights and expertise, essential for accurately addressing the complex challenges of bioremediation within mangrove ecosystems.
23) Tamil:
Tamil represents both the language and cultural context of Tamil Nadu, the region where the research was conducted. Integrating local knowledge and awareness of environmental issues relevant to the Tamil-speaking population can bolster efforts toward effective community-driven bioremediation initiatives and pollution management strategies.
24) Wall:
The term wall here could refer to bacterial cell walls in the examination of microbial physiology. Bacterial walls play an essential role in protecting cells against external stressors, including heavy metals, and understanding their structure can aid in leveraging bacteria for bioremediation applications.
25) Nadu:
Nadu, part of Tamil Nadu, designates the specific region within India relevant to this study. It provides essential environmental context, addressing the specific regional issues of pollution and the ecological importance of microbes found in local mangrove ecosystems, thus emphasizing localized solutions for global environmental challenges.
26) Food:
In this study, food refers to the nutrients and substrates required by bacteria for growth and metabolic activity, particularly the hydrocarbons found in diesel. Understanding the nutritional needs of bacteria is critical for optimizing conditions for biodegradation and strengthening bioremediation efforts in contaminated environments.