Evaluation of remediation in heavy metal tolerance and removal by Comamonas acidovorans MTCC 3364

Abstract

Comamonas acidovorans has vital role in degradation of natural as well as complex organic compounds. Comamonas acidovorans MTCC 3364 is mainly used for bioconversion of different steroids but now it is a novel approach on bioremediation. In heavy metals hexavalent chromium, mercury and lead is very toxic and carcinogenic for human health. Organism can tolerate heavy metals like hexavalent chromium, mercury, lead and aluminium with high efficiency. Removal of hexavalent chromium is major problem to textile as well as different industries. Comamonas acidovorans MTCC 3364 removed 99% of the hexavalent chromium from the medium and it can tolerate up to 600 ppm of chromium and 200 ppm of mercury in solidified medium. This organism shows high tolerance against salt i.e. it can tolerate up to 10% of salt. Chromium removal was also observed by using biosorption studies and MIC method. This bacteria increases pH during removal of chromium and makes chromium oxide which is trivalent chromium; it is a non-toxic compound. High salt tolerance, heavy metal tolerance and removal of hexavalent chromium make applicability in the treatment of waste water technology and treatment of industrial effluent which contain high amount of salt and heavy metals.