Selection of carrier matrix for bacteria-mediated bioremediation in aquatic environments

Abstract

Water pollution and the outbreak of algal blooms are emerging environmental issues in many parts of the world. There is a growing concern on the application of bacteria-mediated bioremediation and bio control strategies to restore water quality and control algal blooms. However, in this context, selecting a suitable carrier matrix for the delivery of selected bacterial inocula is the most important and challenging step. Therefore, this study aimed to find a suitable carrier matrix to deliver bacterial inocula into the natural aquatic environment. Sodium alginate and four locally available low cost materials (sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, rice straw, and corn husk) were selected as potential carriers and treated with an alkaline solution to disintegrate the lignocellulosic cell wall structure. A selected model bacteria, Escherichia coli was immobilized into matrices at 1 x 108cells/mL density. Scanning electron microscopic images confirmed enhanced bacterial immobilization in carrier matrices following alkaline pre treatment. Bacterial growth in nutrient agar medium proved their viability after immobilization. In all carrier matrices bacterial viability remained high (107 CFU/g) at the end of seven weeks.