Lead-Resistant Bacteria Helps with Heavy Metal Contamination

Scientists from the Integral University and partners identified lead-resistant bacteria from the Gomati River in India. These bacteria can help with bioremediation of areas with heavy metals.

Lead is a toxic heavy metal that can affect human health and the environment. To help with the remediation of sites with heavy metals, the researchers studied lead-resistant bacterial strains collected from the Gomati River.

Five water samples were gathered from various areas in the river, and lead-resistant bacteria were isolated from them. Among the 20 isolates, Paenibacillus dendritiformis exhibited a higher tolerance to copper and lead. Meanwhile, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia displayed superior biodegradation potential. Their findings demonstrate the bacteria's potential to alleviate heavy metal pollution.

For more information, read the journal article in the Journal of Applied Biology and Biotechnology.