Potential of Bacterial Isolates and Consortiums for Degrading Linear Alkylbenzenesulfonate, Ammonia, and Phosphate in the Kaliotic River

Abstract

River pollution by various organic and inorganic compounds such as linear alkylbenzenesulfonate (LAS), ammonia, and phosphate is a serious environmental problem in the Kaliotic River. This research investigates the potential of bacterial isolates and consortia for degrading these pollutants. We conducted a field survey and collected water samples from the Kaliotic River and isolated bacteria from these water samples. Next, we tested the ability of single isolates and bacterial consortia to degrade LAS, ammonia, and phosphate in vitro. The results showed that various bacterial isolates isolated from the Kaliotic River showed varying abilities to degrade LAS, ammonia, and phosphate. Some single isolates could degrade LAS to a significant extent, whereas other isolates showed higher activity in reducing ammonia and phosphate concentrations in the medium. The bacterial consortium consisting of several isolates also showed promising potential for degrading these three pollutants. Further analysis using molecular techniques such as 16S rRNA DNA sequencing shows the genetic diversity of bacteria involved in pollutant degradation. This study also highlights the importance of environmental factors such as temperature, pH, and nutrient availability in influencing bacterial degradation activity. These findings indicate that bacterial isolates and consortia have great potential for degrading LAS, ammonia, and phosphate in the Kaliotic River. This research provides new insights into the potential application of microbes in environmental remediation efforts in polluted rivers. By better understanding the mechanisms of degradation and the factors that influence bacterial activity, it is hoped that more effective and sustainable strategies can be developed to rid rivers of these dangerous pollutants.