ISOLATION, CHARACTERIZATION, AND POTENTIAL APPLICATIO N OF ARSENITEOXIDIZING HYDROGENOPHAGA PSEUDOFLAVA FOR THE TIGRIS RIVER WASTEWATER BIOREMEDIATION

Abstract

The Tigris River is one of the most significant rivers in the Middle East, flowing through several countries and playing a vital role in the region's history and development. Trace element contamination in water bodies like the Tigris River can have significant effects on the bacteria present in the ecosystem. Bacteria play crucial roles in nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and overall ecosystem health. This study aimed to ISOLATED from metalcontaminated Tigris River, the bacterium Hydrogenophaga pseudoflava has been demonstrated to be resistant to a wide range of heavy metals. This discovery points to a potential use for the bacteria in the bioremediation of industrial effluents. As(III) concentrations as high as 3 mg ml-1 were tolerated by H. pseudoflava, as were Cu2+ concentrations of 0.7 mg ml-1, Hg2+ concentrations of 0.4 mg ml-1, Ni2+ concentrations of 0.4 mg ml-1, and Cr6+ concentrations of 0.5 mg ml-1. H. pseudoflava flourished best at a pH 7 and 30°C temperature range. After optimum incubation for 24, 48, and 72 hours, H. pseudoflava was able to oxidize 42% (42 g mg-1 of protein), 78% (78 g mg-1 of protein), and 95% (95 g mg-1 of protein) of As(III) from the medium. Arsenite oxidizing capability of H. pseudoflava suggests its potential application in the biological treatment of arsenic-contaminated wastewaters.