In the heart of Ethiopia’s Eastern Shewa, a groundbreaking discovery is unfolding, one that could significantly impact the energy sector’s approach to environmental pollution. Researchers have isolated and identified bacteria with remarkable potential for bioremediation, the process of using organisms to degrade or remove environmental pollutants. The study, led by Duguma Dibbisa Itana from the Department of Applied Biology at Adama Science and Technology University and the School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology at Haramaya University, focuses on the bioremediation abilities of Citrobacter and Klebsiella species, newly isolated from industrial effluent.
The research, published in *Environmental Research Communications* (translated as *Environmental Research Communications*), highlights the urgent need for effective solutions to heavy metal pollution, a significant challenge for industries, particularly in the energy sector. Heavy metals, often byproducts of industrial processes, can have severe environmental and health impacts if not properly managed.
“It’s a significant finding,” says Itana. “These bacteria exhibit a high tolerance to heavy metals, making them strong candidates for bioremediation in areas impacted by industrial waste discharge.”
The study isolated approximately 60 heavy metal-resistant bacteria (HMRB), with 66.67% identified as Gram-negative and 33.33% as Gram-positive. Molecular identification confirmed that these bacteria belong to the genera Citrobacter and Klebsiella, known for their versatility in bioremediation. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) results showed that Klebsiella spp. exhibited an MIC of 700 ppm, while Citrobacter spp. presented an MIC of 800 ppm, indicating their robust resistance to heavy metals.
Moreover, the highest biodegradability efficiencies were noted at 89.74%, 85.21%, and 79.27% for HMRBI-14, HMRBI-5, and HMRBI-1, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) analysis demonstrated that the organelles of bacterial isolates were deformed due to various heavy metal concentrations, revealing that heavy metals were biosorbed into the cellular structure.
“This research opens up new possibilities for the energy sector,” Itana explains. “By utilizing these bacteria, industries can potentially reduce their environmental footprint and comply with stricter regulations, ultimately leading to more sustainable operations.”
The presence of heavy metal resistance genes (HMRG) such as pcoC, cadD, and chrR in the isolates further underscores their potential for bioremediation. The study suggests that these bacteria could be employed in treating industrial effluents, particularly in regions like Eastern Shewa, where heavy metal pollution is a pressing concern.
As the energy sector continues to grapple with environmental challenges, this research offers a promising avenue for sustainable solutions. By harnessing the power of these newly identified bacteria, industries can move towards more eco-friendly practices, ultimately benefiting both the environment and the bottom line.
“It’s an exciting time for bioremediation research,” Itana concludes. “We’re just scratching the surface of what these bacteria can do, and the potential applications are vast.”