Isolation and screening of polyhydroxylalkanoate producing bacteria from industrial wastewater.

Abstract

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are storage materials that accumulate by various bacteria as energy and carbon reserve materials. The aim of this research was to isolate and screen polyhydroxylalkanoate (PHA) producing bacteria from industrial wastewater. Waste water was collected from five different industries in Minna Nigeria metropolis. The samples were serially diluted and inoculated in agar plate using pour plate method. Cultures that developed were screened for PHA producing abilities using Sudan black B and Nile blue A assay methods. The isolates with positive reactions were identified on the basis of morphological, cultural and biochemical characteristics. Two of the isolates were positive for Nile blue A test and Sudan black test. The isolates also showed a bright orange fluorescence on irradiation with UV-light. The isolates were identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis. Thus, both isolates can be regarded as good candidates for the industrial production of PHA