Application of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis for Heavy Metal Bioremediation in Wastewater from Wupa Wastewater Treatment Plant, Abuja, Nigeria.

Abstract

Water pollution is a huge issue on a global scale and is on the rise because of growing human activity and population, unsustainable farming methods, and quick industrialization. There is an increasing demand for innovative wastewater treatment techniques and there is also the need to establish rigorous operational guidelines in discharging wastewater into the environment. This study examined the application of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis for heavy metal bioremediation in wastewater from Wupa Wastewater Treatment Plant, Abuja, Nigeria. Wastewater samples (Effluent) were collected from WUPA treatment plant, Abuja. The physiochemical parameters which include pH, Temperature, Conductivity, Turbidity, TDS, DO, BOD, COD wastewater was carried out and heavy metal analysis was carried out before and after treatment of the wastewater. The results showed the pH, conductivity BOD, DO and TDS of the wastewatewater;ered significantly (p<0.05) with the control and treated water, however the temperature of the wastewater does not differ significantly with the control and treated water. In the screen pump, the pH and temperature the untreated water shows no significant difference (p>0.05) with the control and treated water, however the conductivity, BOD5, DO and TDS of the wastewater differs significantly (p<0.05) with control and treated water. Inoculums of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus species were prepared to aid the removal of heavy metals from wastewater. The removal of heavy metal was determined using AAS. The result revealed a significant reduction in the concentration of heavy metals in treated water samples compared to the untreated waters samples (p<0.05). In conclusion, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis showed good remediation potentials as it reduces the heavy metals (Lead, cadmium, chromium, and zinc) within WHO specification against their initial concentrations and control. Finally, the findings of this study recommend the use of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis for the remediation of heavy metals in wastewater.