BACTERIAL BIOSURFACTANTS AND THEIR ROLE IN HEAVY METAL DEGRADATION

Author(s): Sivakami R*., Saravanan S and Premkishore, G

Abstract: Biosurfactants are produced by certain specialized organisms including bacteria fungi and yeast. These microbes produce biosurfactant either secreted or attached to parts of the cell membrane predominantly during growth phase. Microorganisms producing biosurfactants help to amplify the bioavailability of hydrocarbons by enhancing the contact between the pollutants and microorganisms in the presence of the biosurfactant which helps in the accelerated bioremediation of hydrocarbon contaminated sites. Hence the present study was carried out to know the biosurfact producing potential of two bacterial species (Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and their effect on degrading two metals (zinc and iron). Results show that both the species helped in the reduction of heavy metals zinc and iron. However, among the two B. subtilis appeared to be a better candidate as it recorded a higher conversion rate.

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