Bacteria to degrade aromatic compounds by IIT Bombay- Pseudomonas putida CSV86

Why is it in news?
  • IIT Bombay researchers can selectively remove from the environment toxic, aromatic pollutants by using a unique strain of bacterium isolated from soil contaminated with petroleum products.
More in news
  • Aromatic pollutants: These are-benzoate (sodium benzoate is used as a food preservative), benzyl alcohol and naphthalene.
  • Pseudomonas putida CSV86:
    (1) Bacterial strain (Pseudomonas putida CSV86) is unique because of its preference for aromatic compounds and organic acid as a food source even when glucose is available.
    (2) The strain can degrade aromatics and organic acids simultaneously.
  • Peculiar food choice:
    (1) Since breaking down aromatic compounds is difficult, bacteria generally prefer simple carbon sources such as glucose for obtaining energy.
    (2) This bacteria strain displays a completely different order of food choices- it first feeds on aromatic compounds and organic acids and only when this gets exhausted does it start feeding on glucose.
  • Uses/Application: This bacterial strain is a very good candidate for bioremediation or waste-water treatment.
Source
The Hindu




Posted by Jawwad Kazi on 8th Apr 2019
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