Modern approaches for detection of volatile organic compounds in metabolic studies focusing on pathogenic bacteria:Current state of the art

Pathogenic microorganisms produce numerous metabolites,including volatile organic compounds(VOCs).Monitoring these metabolites in biological matrices(e.g.,urine,blood,or breath)can reveal the presence of specific microorganisms,enabling the early diagnosis of infections and the timely implementation of tar-geted therapy.However,complex matrices only contain trace levels of VOCs,and their constituent com-ponents can hinder determination of these compounds.Therefore,modern analytical techniques enabling the non-invasive identification and precise quantification of microbial VOCs are needed.In this paper,we discuss bacterial VOC analysis under in vitro conditions,in animal models and disease diagnosis in humans,including techniques for offline and online analysis in clinical settings.We also consider the advantages and limitations of novel microextraction techniques used to prepare biological samples for VOC analysis,in addition to reviewing current clinical studies on bacterial volatilomes that address inter-species in-teractions,the kinetics of VOC metabolism,and species-and drug-resistance specificity.

Antiseptic Efficacy of A Soap Made from Biosurfactants Isolated from Bacillus and Lactobacillus against Pathogenic Bacteria

The aim of our study was to use a biosurfactant produced by Bacillus and Lactobacillus isolates as an antiseptic in the formulation of local soap. A total of 60 isolates were characterized by microbiological techniques (30 Bacillus and 30 Lactobacillus) and the ability to produce biosurfactants was demonstrated by a hydrocarbon emulsification index (E24). The emulsification indexes (E24) varied from 9% to 100% for Bacillus and from 33% to 100% for Lactobacillus as well. The antagonistic assay showed that biosurfactants were able to inhibit the formation of biofilms and growth of pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Salmonella typhirium, Shigella boydii and Proteus mirabilis. The biosurfactant consortium (BioC) from Bacillus consortium and from Lactobacillus was able to inhibit biofilm formation and the pathogens growth. The BioC was stable to alkaline pH and the temperatures stability of Biosurfactant was ranging from 50°C to 90°C. The soap was made by the cold saponification process using one biosurfactant consortium formulated. This soap has a pH of 10 and showed good cleaning power and good foam stability. Similarly, the soap showed good antiseptic power and disinfection power against all pathogens tested. Handwashing is critical to preventing disease transmission. The persistence of pathogens in waste water was evaluated. The BioS produced showed good disinfection power against all pathogens tested. The valor of reduction on the hands and in the waste water was significantly more than compared to the control soaps used. This soap could be used in the prevention, fighting, and treatment of bacterial and viral infections.

Nature’s Pharmacy under Siege: Investigating Antibiotic Resistance Pattern in Endophytic Bacteria of Medicinal Plants

Antibiotic resistance poses a significant global health threat, necessitating a thorough understanding of its prevalence in various ecological contexts. Medicinal plants, renowned for their therapeutic properties, host endophytic bacteria that produce bioactive compounds. Understanding antibiotic resistance dynamics in these bacteria is vital for human health and antibiotic efficacy preservation. In this study, we investigated antibiotic resistance profiles in endophytic bacteria from five medicinal plants: Thankuni, Neem, Aparajita, Joba, and Snake plant. We isolated and characterized 113 endophytic bacteria, with varying resistance patterns observed against multiple antibiotics. Notably, 53 strains were multidrug-resistant (MDR), with 14 exhibiting extensive drug resistance (XDR). Thankuni-associated bacteria displayed 44% MDR and 11% XDR, while Neem-associated bacteria showed higher resistance (60% MDR, 13% XDR). Aparajita-associated bacteria had lower resistance (22% MDR, 6% XDR), whereas Joba-associated bacteria exhibited substantial resistance (54% MDR, 14% XDR). Snake plant-associated bacteria showed 7% MDR and 4% XDR. Genus-specific distribution revealed Bacillus (47%), Staphylococcus (21%), and Klebsiella (11%) as major contributors to MDR. Our findings highlight diverse drug resistance patterns among plant-associated bacteria and underscore the complexity of antibiotic resistance dynamics in diverse plant environments. Identification of XDR strains emphasizes the severity of the antibiotic resistance problem, warranting further investigation into contributing factors.

The Preliminary Study on Screening and Application of Phthalic Acid-Degrading Bacteria

Phthalic acid is a main pollutant, which is also an important reason for the continuous cropping effect of tobacco. In order to degrade the phthalic acid accumulated in the environment and relieve the obstacle effect of tobacco continuous cropping caused by the accumulation of phthalic acid in the soil. In this study, phthalate degrading bacteria B3 is screened from continuous cropping tobacco soil. The results of biochemical identification and 16sDNA comparison show that the homology between degrading bacterium B3 and Enterobacter sp. is 99%. At the same time, the growth of Enterobacter hormaechei subsp. B3 and the degradation of phthalic acid under different environmental conditions are studied. The results show that the environment with a temperature of 30˚C, PH of 7, and inoculation amount of not less than 1.2%, which is the optimal growth conditions for Enterobacter sp. B3. In an environment with a concentration of phthalic acid not exceeding 500 mg/L, Enterobacter sp. B3 has a better effect on phthalic acid degradation, and the degradation rate can reach 77% in 7 d. The results of indoor potting experiments on tobacco show that the degradation rate of phthalic acid by Enterobacter B3 in the soil is about 45%, which can reduce the inhibitory effect of phthalic acid on the growth of tobacco seedlings. This study enriches the microbial resources for degrading phthalic acid and provides a theoretical basis for alleviating tobacco continuous cropping obstacles.

Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Honeybees and Its Antibacterial Potential

Honeybees (Apis mellifera) are important pollinators of flowering plants and agricultural crops contributing annually to billions of dollars in revenues to crop production. Honeybees have an average lifespan between 8 weeks to 5 years. Dead honeybees are abundantly available in beehives and can be utilized as an alternative source to synthesize nanoparticles. In recent years, biologically synthesized nanoparticles have been preferred over their chemical counterparts. However, honeybee-based-green synthesis of nanoparticles has not been explored yet. Herein, we report the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles from honeybees and its antibacterial activity. The synthesis of silver nanoparticles was monitored visually through a gradual change in color. Furthermore, the biosynthesized nanoparticles were confirmed and characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy. Scanning Electron Microscope was utilized to analyze the average size and morphologies of the biosynthesized nanoparticles. Subsequently, the antibacterial potential of the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles was tested against selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. It was found that a distinct color change from yellow to brown in the reaction solution suggested the formation of silver nanoparticles. The biosynthesized nanoparticles exhibited absorption maxima at 430 nm. The SEM analysis confirmed the spherical and cuboidal shape of the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles with a size range between 10 - 40 nm. Furthermore, the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles exhibited strong antimicrobial potential against tested Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria strains by aggregating on the cell surface. This study showcases the biomedical and agricultural applications of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles from honeybee wings. .

Characterisation of the Bacteria and Archaea Community Associated with Wild Oysters, At Three Possible Restoration Sites in the North Sea

With 85% of the global oyster reefs destroyed, there is an urgent need for large scale restoration to benefit from the ecosystem services provided by biogenic oyster reefs and their associated biodiversity, including microorganisms that drive marine biogeochemical cycles. This experiment established a baseline for the monitoring of the bacterial and archaeal community associated with wild oysters, using samples from their immediate environment of the Voordelta, with cohabiting Crassostrea gigas and Ostrea edulis, Duikplaats with only C. gigas attached to rocks, and the Dansk Skaldyrcentre, with no onsite oysters. The microbial profiling was carried out through DNA analysis of samples collected from the surfaces of oyster shells and their substrate, the sediment and seawater. Following 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and bioinformatics, alpha indices implied high species abundance and diversity in sediment but low abundance in seawater. As expected, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and Thaumarchaeota dominated the top 20 OTUs. In the Voordelta, OTUs related to Colwellia, Shewanella and Psychrobium differentiated the oysters collected from a reef with those attached to rocks. Duikplaats were distinct for sulfur-oxidizers Sulfurimonas and sulfate-reducers from the Sva 0081 sediment group. Archaea were found mainly in sediments and the oyster associated microbiome, with greater abundance at the reef site, consisting mostly of Thaumarchaeota from the family Nitrosopumilaceae. The oyster free site displayed archaea in sediments only, and algal bloom indicator microorganisms from the Rhodobacteraceae, Flavobacteriaceae family and genus [Polaribacter] huanghezhanensis, in addition to the ascidian symbiotic partner, Synechococcus. This study suggests site specific microbiome shifts, influenced by the presence of oysters and the type of substrate.

The Impact of Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria, Iron, and Zinc Foliar Application on Dry Land Yellow Mustard (Brassica juncea) Grain and Oil Production

The study, conducted at the Research Farm of the College of Agriculture, University of Tabriz in 2021, focused on the effects of various nitrogen-fixing bacterial isolates, biofertilizers containing nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as iron and zinc foliar applications on mustard growth under rainfed conditions. The results indicated that biofertilizers, whether used alone or in combination with chemical fertilizers, produced comparable grain and oil outputs compared to chemical fertilizers alone. Additionally, the application of iron and zinc through foliar spraying significantly enhanced both grain and oil production. These findings suggest that integrating nitrogen-fixing bacteria and biofertilizers could reduce reliance on chemical nitrogenous fertilizers, leading to decreased production expenses, improved product quality, and minimized environmental impact. This study highlights the potential for sustainable agricultural practices in dry land farming as a viable alternative to traditional chemical-intensive methods. Substituting chemical nitrogenous fertilizers with nitrogen-fixing bacteria or biofertilizers could result in cost savings in mustard grain and oil production while promoting environmental sustainability.

Insight into the spoilage heterogeneity of meat-borne bacteria isolates with high-producing collagenase

Chilled chicken is inevitably contaminated by microorganisms during slaughtering and processing,resulting in spoilage.Cutting parts of chilled chicken,especially wings,feet,and other skin-on products,are abundant in collagen,which may be the primary target for degradation by spoilage microorganisms.In this work,a total of 17 isolates of spoilage bacteria that could secrete both collagenase and lipase were determined by raw-chicken juice agar(RJA)method,and the results showed that 7 strains of Serratia,Aeromonas,and Pseudomonas could significantly decompose the collagen ingredients.The gelatin zymography showed that Serratia liquefaciens(F5)and(G7)had apparent degradation bands around 50 kDa,and Aeromonas veronii(G8)and Aeromonas salmonicida(H8)had a band around.65 and 95 kDa,respectively.The lipase and collagenase activities were detected isolate-by-isolate,with F5 showing the highest collagenase activity.For spoilage ability on meat in situ,F5 performed strongest in spoilage ability,indicated by the total viable counts,total volatile basic nitrogen content,sensory scores,lipase,and collagenase activity.This study provides a theoretical basis for spoilage heterogeneity of strains with high-producing collagenase in meat.

Nanomotion of bacteria to determine metabolic profile

In addition to their visible motion such as swimming(e.g.,with the help offlagella),bacteria can also exhibit nanomotion that is detectable only with highly sensitive instruments,and this study shows that it is possible to detect bacterial nanomotion using an AFM detection system.The results show that the nanomotion characteristics depend on the bacterial strain,and that nanomotion can be used to sense the metabolic activity of bacteria because the oscillations are sensitive to the food preferences of the bacteria and the type of surrounding medium.

Multifunctional role of oral bacteria in the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)encompasses a spectrum of liver disorders of varying severity,ultimately leading to fibrosis.This spectrum primarily consists of NAFL and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.The pathogenesis of NAFLD is closely associated with disturbances in the gut micr-obiota and impairment of the intestinal barrier.Non-gut commensal flora,particularly bacteria,play a pivotal role in the progression of NAFLD.Notably,Porphyromonas gingivalis,a principal bacterium involved in periodontitis,is known to facilitate lipid accumulation,augment immune responses,and induce insulin resistance,thereby exacerbating fibrosis in cases of periodontitis-associated NAFLD.The influence of oral microbiota on NAFLD via the“oral-gut-liver”axis is gaining recognition,offering a novel perspective for NAFLD management through microbial imbalance correction.This review endeavors to encapsulate the intricate roles of oral bacteria in NAFLD and explore underlying mechanisms,emphasizing microbial control strategies as a viable therapeutic avenue for NAFLD.

Soybean(Glycine max)rhizosphere organic phosphorus recycling relies on acid phosphatase activity and specific phosphorusmineralizing-related bacteria in phosphate deficient acidic soils

Bacteria play critical roles in regulating soil phosphorus(P) cycling. The effects of interactions between crops and soil P-availability on bacterial communities and the feedback regulation of soil P cycling by the bacterial community modifications are poorly understood. Here, six soybean(Glycine max) genotypes with differences in P efficiency were cultivated in acidic soils with long-term sufficient or deficient P-fertilizer treatments. The acid phosphatase(AcP) activities, organic-P concentrations and associated bacterial community compositions were determined in bulk and rhizosphere soils. The results showed that both soybean plant P content and the soil AcP activity were negatively correlated with soil organic-P concentration in P-deficient acidic soils. Soil P-availability affected the ɑ-diversity of bacteria in both bulk and rhizosphere soils. However, soybean had a stronger effect on the bacterial community composition, as reflected by the similar biomarker bacteria in the rhizosphere soils in both P-treatments. The relative abundance of biomarker bacteria Proteobacteria was strongly correlated with soil organic-P concentration and AcP activity in low-P treatments. Further high-throughput sequencing of the phoC gene revealed an obvious shift in Proteobacteria groups between bulk soils and rhizosphere soils, which was emphasized by the higher relative abundances of Cupriavidus and Klebsiella, and lower relative abundance of Xanthomonas in rhizosphere soils. Among them, Cupriavidus was the dominant phoC bacterial genus, and it was negatively correlated with the soil organic-P concentration. These findings suggest that soybean growth relies on organic-P mineralization in P-deficient acidic soils, which might be partially achieved by recruiting specific phoCharboring bacteria, such as Cupriavidus.

Improving dryland maize productivity and water efficiency with heterotrophic ammonia-oxidizing bacteria via nitrification and cytokinin activity

A two-year field experiment conducted under dryland conditions in semi-humid and drought-prone regions of China aimed to assess the effect of ammonia-oxidizing bacterial on maize water use efficiency and yield.A heterotrophic ammonia-oxidizing bacteria(HAOB)strain S2_8_1 was used.Six treatments were applied:(1)no irrigation+HAOB strain(DI),(2)no irrigation+blank culture medium(DM),(3)no irrigation control(DCK),(4)irrigation+HAOB(WI),(5)irrigation+blank culture medium(WM),and(6)irrigation control(WCK).Results revealed that HAOB treatment increased maize growth,yield,and water use efficiency over controls,regardless of whether the year was wet or dry.This improvement was attributed to the accelerated nitrification in the rhizosphere soil due to HAOB inoculation,which subsequently led to increased levels of leaf cytokinins.Overall,these findings suggest that HAOB inoculation holds promise as a strategy to boost water use efficiency and maize productivity in dryland agriculture.

Dynamic Analysis of an Algae-Bacteria Ecological Model

In the paper, under the framework of exploring the interaction between algae and bacteria, an algae-bacteria ecological model was established to analyze the interaction mechanism and growth coexistence mode between algicidal bacteria and algae. Firstly, mathematical work mainly provided some threshold conditions to ensure the occurrence of transcritical bifurcation and saddle-node bifurcation, which could provide certain theoretical support for selecting key ecological environmental factors and numerical simulations. Secondly, the numerical simulation work dynamically displayed the evolution process of the bifurcation dynamic behavior of the model (2.1) and the growth coexistence mode of algae and algicidal bacteria. Finally, it was worth summarizing that intrinsic growth rate and combined capture effort of algae population had a strong influence on the dynamic behavior of the model (2.1). Furthermore, it must also be noted that transcritical bifurcation and saddle-node bifurcation were the inherent driving forces behind the formation of steady-state growth coexistence mode between algicidal bacteria and algae. In summary, it was hoped that the results of this study would contribute to accelerating the study of the interaction mechanism between algicidal bacteria and algae.

Distribution of pathogenic bacteria and antimicrobial sensitivity of eye infections in Suzhou

AIM:To investigate the types of bacteria in patients with eye infections in Suzhou and their drug resistance to commonly used antibacterial drugs.METHODS:The clinical data of 155 patients were retrospectively collected in this study,and the pathogenic bacteria species and drug resistance of each pathogenic bacteria were analyzed.RESULTS:Among the 155 patients(age from 12 to 87 years old,with an average age of 57,99 males and 56 females)with eye infections(160 eyes:74 in the left eye,76 in the right eye and 5 in both eyes,all of which were exogenous),71(45.81%)strains were gram-positive bacteria,23(14.84%)strains were gram-negative bacteria and 61(39.35%)strains were fungi.Gram-positive bacteria were highly resistant to penicillin and erythromycin(78.87%and 46.48%respectively),but least resistant to vancomycin at 0.Gram-negative bacteria were highly resistant to cefoxitin and compound sulfamethoxazole(100%and 95.65%respectively),but least resistant to meropenem at 0.Comparison of the resistance of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria to some drugs revealed statistically significant differences(P<0.05)in the resistance of both to cefoxitin,cotrimoxazole,levofloxacin,cefuroxime,ceftriaxone and ceftazidime,and both had higher rates of resistance to gram-negative bacteria than to gram-positive bacteria.The distribution of bacterial infection strains showed that Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most common strain in the conjunctiva,cornea,aqueous humor or vitreous body and other eye parts.Besides,Fusarium and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were also among the most common strains of conjunctival and corneal infections.CONCLUSION:Gram-positive bacteria are the dominant bacteria in eye infections,followed by gram-negative bacteria and fungi.Considering the resistance of gramnegative bacteria to multiple drugs,monitoring of bacteria should be strengthened in eye bacterial infections for effective prevention and control to reduce complications caused by eye infections.

Stress corrosion cracking behavior of buried oil and gas pipeline steel under the coexistence of magnetic field and sulfate-reducing bacteria

Magnetic field and microorganisms are important factors influencing the stress corrosion cracking(SCC)of buried oil and gas pipelines. Once SCC occurs in buried pipelines, it will cause serious hazards to the soil environment. The SCC behavior of X80 pipeline steel under the magnetic field and sulfate-reducing bacteria(SRB) environment was investigated by immersion tests, electrochemical tests, and slow strain rate tensile(SSRT) tests. The results showed that the corrosion and SCC sensitivity of X80 steel decreased with increasing the magnetic field strength in the sterile environment. The SCC sensitivity was higher in the biotic environment inoculated with SRB, but it also decreased with increasing magnetic field strength, which was due to the magnetic field reduces microbial activity and promotes the formation of dense film layer. This work provided theoretical guidance on the prevention of SCC in pipeline steel under magnetic field and SRB coexistence.

Application of Next Generation Sequencing for Rapid Identification of Lactic Acid Bacteria

The rapid identification of lactic acid bacteria,which are essential microorganisms in the food industry,is of great significance for industrial applications.The identification of lactic acid bacteria traditionally relies on the isolation and identification of pure colonies.While this method is well-established and widely used,it is not without limitations.The subjective judgment inherent in the isolation and purification process introduces potential for error,and the incomplete nature of the isolation process can result in the loss of valuable information.The advent of next generation sequencing has provided a novel approach to the rapid identification of lactic acid bacteria.This technology offers several advantages,including rapidity,accuracy,high throughput,and low cost.Next generation sequencing represents a significant advancement in the field of DNA sequencing.Its ability to rapidly and accurately identify lactic acid bacteria strains in samples with insufficient information or in the presence of multiple lactic acid bacteria sets it apart as a valuable tool.The application of this technology not only circumvents the potential errors inherent in the traditional method but also provides a robust foundation for the expeditious identification of lactic acid bacteria strains and the authentication of bacterial powder in industrial applications.This paper commences with an overview of traditional and molecular biology methods for the identification of lactic acid bacteria.While each method has its own advantages,they are not without limitations in practical application.Subsequently,the paper provides an introduction of the principle,process,advantages,and disadvantages of next generation sequencing,and also details its application in strain identification and rapid identification of lactic acid bacteria.The objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive and reliable basis for the rapid identification of industrial lactic acid bacteria strains and the authenticity identification of bacterial powder.

Allergen degradation of bee pollen by lactic acid bacteria fermentation and its alleviatory effects on allergic reactions in BALB/c mice

Food allergy as a global health problem threatens food industry.Bee pollen(BP)is a typical food with allergenic potentials,although it performs various nutritional/pharmacological functions to humans.In this study,lactic acid bacteria(LAB)were used to ferment Brassica napus BP for alleviating its allergenicity.Four novel allergens(glutaredoxin,oleosin-B2,catalase and lipase)were identified with significant decreases in LAB-fermented BP(FBP)than natural BP by proteomics.Meanwhile,metabolomics analysis showed significant increases of 28 characteristic oligopeptides and amino acids in FBP versus BP,indicating the degradation of LAB on allergens.Moreover,FBP showed alleviatory effects in BALB/c mice,which relieved pathological symptoms and lowered production of allergic mediators.Microbial high-throughput sequencing analysis showed that FBP could regulate gut microbiota and metabolism to strengthen immunity,which were closely correlated with the alleviation of allergic reactivity.These findings could contribute to the development and utilization of hypoallergenic BP products.

Effects of Potassium-Solubilizing Bacteria on Growth, Antioxidant Activity and Expression of Related Genes in Fritillaria taipaiensis P. Y. Li

This study aimed to examine the effects of inoculating Fritillaria taipaiensis P.Y.Li leaves with different strains ofpotassium-solubilizing bacteria (KSB), or combinations thereof, focusing on aspects of photosynthesis and physiologicaland biochemical characteristics. At present, some studies have only studied the rhizosphere microbialcommunity characteristics of F. taipaiensis and have not discussed the effects of different microbial species on thegrowth promotion of F. taipaiensis. This paper will start from the perspective of potassium-solubilizing bacteria toconduct an in-depth study. Seed cultivation commenced at the base with three different KSBs in early October2022. The growth of F. taipaiensis leaves was observed after different treatments. Both single-plant and compoundinoculations were executed. A total of eight treatment groups were established, with aseptic fertilizer and sterilizedsoil functioning as the control group. The results reveal that intercellular CO_(2) concentration (Ci), stomatal conductance(Gs), and transpiration rate (Tr) were at their apex in the S7 group. Most treatment groups exhibited anincrease in leaf area, photosynthetic pigment content, soluble sugar, soluble protein, Superoxide Dismutase(SOD), Peroxidase (POD), Catalase (CAT) activities, and proline content. The expression levels of POD, SOD,and CAT genes were evaluated, following inoculation with different KSB. The highest was the S7 group. Theinoculation with various KSB, or combinations thereof, appears to bolster the growth and development of F. taipaiensis.The composite inoculation group S7, comprising Bacillus cereus, Burkholderia cepacia, and Bacillus subtilis,manifested the most favorable impact on the diverse indices of F. taipaiensis, thereby furnishing valuableinsights for the selection of bacterial fertilizer in the artificial cultivation of F. taipaiensis.

Preparation of lactic acid bacteria compound starter cultures based on pasting properties and its improvement of glutinous rice flour and dough

The effects of 5 lactic acid bacteria(LAB)fermentation on the pasting properties of glutinous rice flour were compared,and suitable fermentation strains were selected based on the changes of viscosity,setback value,and breakdown value to prepare LAB compound starter cultures.The results revealed that Latilactobacillus sakei HSD004 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HSD005 had apparent advantages in increasing the viscosity and reducing the setback and breakdown values of glutinous rice flour.In particular,the compound starter created using the two abovementioned LAB in the ratio of 3:1 had better performance than that using a single LAB in improving the pasting properties and increasing the water and oil absorption capacity of glutinous rice flour.Moreover,the gelatinization enthalpy of the fermented samples increased significantly.For frozen glutinous rice dough stored for 28 days,the viscoelasticity of frozen dough prepared by compound starter was better than that of control dough,and the freezable water content was lower than that of control dough.These results indicate that compound LAB fermentation is a promising technology in the glutinous rice-based food processing industry,which has significance for its application.

Effects of Phytoremediation on Soil Contaminated with Pb and Cd in Tolerant Bacterial Populations

Bacterial populations isolated from treated soil,artificially contaminated with lead(Pb)and cadmium(Cd)and undergoing a phytoremediation process were studied to determine their potential application in soil remediation.The physicochemical parameters evaluated in the soil varied significantly.Ten bacterial strains were selected from each polluted soil to test tolerance and growth in contaminated media.The concentrations of heavy metals tested were 1,000 ppm for lead and 850 ppm for cadmium.These strains were morphologically identified through Gram staining.Four strains showing the most significant growth in both contaminants were then selected to verify their tolerance to different concentrations of heavy metals.The results demonstrated that the selected bacteria have high tolerance to Pb,resisting inhibition up to 2,000 ppm.In contrast,strains exposed to cadmium tended to slow their growth as the concentration increased.