Isolation of heavy metals and antibiotic-resistant bacteria from samples
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Isolation and characterization of heavy metals and antibiotic resistant bacteria from environmental samples
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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S.M. Gopinath, Sheetal, Suneetha T.B, Amar Shankar
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
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Full text available for: Isolation and characterization of heavy metals and antibiotic resistant bacteria from environmental samples
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Heavy metal pollution has emerged as a significant environmental concern in recent years, posing a threat to ecosystems and human health. This study, conducted by S.M. Gopinath et al., aimed to screen, isolate, and characterize bacteria with resistance to heavy metals and antibiotics from various environmental samples in Bangalore, India. Utilizing techniques such as minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) analysis and 16S rDNA sequencing, the study identified bacteria that can survive high concentrations of heavy metals and antibiotics, focusing notably on strains that can contribute to bioremediation efforts.
Heavy Metal Pollution and Its Impacts
Heavy metals are defined as metallic elements with a high atomic density, leading to toxicity in the environment. Sources of heavy metal pollution include industrial activities, agricultural runoff, and the improper disposal of waste. These metals can accumulate in biological organisms, potentially entering the food chain and causing harmful effects on wildlife and humans. The study emphasizes that certain bacteria have developed mechanisms of tolerance to these toxic metals. Understanding the concentrations of heavy metals in various environmental samples, including contaminated soils and industrial waste, allows for the identification of bacterial communities that could mitigate such pollution.
Isolation and Characterization of Bacteria
In the research, environmental samples were collected from various sources, including contaminated soils and vegetative leaves. Techniques such as serial dilution and pour plate methods were employed to isolate bacterial strains resistant to heavy metals. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined for different heavy metals, including lead, chromium, copper, and zinc. Findings indicated that certain bacterial isolates displayed remarkable tolerance, characterized by MIC values exceeding 512 µg/ml. The identification of these bacteria was performed through biochemical tests, revealing a diverse array of genera such as Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Klebsiella, and Enterobacter.
Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria
In addition to their heavy metal tolerance, the study assessed the antibiotic resistance of the isolated bacterial strains. A range of antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, erythromycin, and amoxicillin, was tested on the isolates using the micro broth dilution technique. Results showed varied levels of resistance, with some isolates demonstrating remarkable tolerance across multiple antibiotics. This observation raises concerns about the role of these bacteria in the environment, especially in relation to the spread of antibiotic resistance, which poses a threat to both medical and environmental health.
Conclusion
The findings of this study highlight the critical role that heavy metal and antibiotic-resistant bacteria play in contaminated environments. The identification of strains such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa with high resistance levels suggests their potential utility in bioremediation processes, serving as bioindicators of environmental toxicity. As the research underscores the importance of understanding microbial responses to pollution, it opens avenues for further investigations into the ecological implications of these resistant bacteria and their application in mitigating heavy metal contamination in industrial effluents.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main focus of the study conducted by Gopinath et al.?
The study focuses on the screening, isolation, and characterization of heavy metal and antibiotic-resistant bacteria from various environmental samples, highlighting their potential use in bioremediation.
Which heavy metals were analyzed in this research?
The study examined heavy metals including Chromium (Cr), Lead (Pb), Zinc (Zn), and Copper (Cu), assessing their toxicity and the bacteria's resistance to them.
What method was used to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC)?
The MIC was determined using micro broth dilution techniques and absorbance comparisons between treated and control samples to find the concentration inhibiting bacterial growth.
How were the bacteria identified in the study?
Bacteria were identified through biochemical tests and molecular characterization using 16S rDNA sequencing, enabling species-level identification based on sequence similarity.
What type of bacteria were predominantly isolated in the study?
Predominantly isolated bacteria included genera such as Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Staphylococcus, and Streptococci, found in various environmental samples.
What is the significance of the identified heavy metal-tolerant bacteria?
The identified heavy metal-tolerant bacteria, especially Pseudomonas aeruginosa, can potentially be used for bioremediation to clean up heavy metal pollution from industrial waste.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Isolation of heavy metals and antibiotic-resistant bacteria from samples�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibiotic refers to a type of antimicrobial agent that is used to treat or prevent bacterial infections. In the study, various antibiotics were tested for resistance against the bacterial isolates, helping to determine the effectiveness of these drugs in a context where bacteria have adapted to heavy metal exposure, presenting significant public health concerns.
2) Table:
In the research article, tables are utilized to systematically present data on experimental results, such as viable bacterial counts and minimum inhibitory concentrations. This structured format allows for easier interpretation and comparison of results derived from various environmental samples, highlighting key findings for further analysis and discussion.
3) Gopinatha (Gopinath, Gopi-natha):
S.M. Gopinath is the lead author of the study and represents the principal investigator associated with the research conducted. The inclusion of the author's name is essential for academic credibility, allowing readers to trace the work back to its contributors and fostering accountability in scientific research.
4) Tree:
In this context, 'tree' refers to a phylogenetic tree constructed based on the 16S rDNA sequence data. This visual representation illustrates the evolutionary relationships between different bacterial species, enabling researchers to identify how closely related the isolates are to known strains, particularly in understanding their ecological roles.
5) Soil:
Soil, as mentioned in the article, serves as a critical environmental sample from which bacteria were isolated. Studying soil samples is significant because they harbor diverse microbial communities that may exhibit tolerance to heavy metals and antibiotics, which can give insights into bioremediation strategies and environmental health.
6) India:
India is the geographic context within which the study was conducted. The environmental challenges, including industrial pollution and heavy metal contamination, are pertinent to urban regions like Bangalore, making this study regionally relevant in addressing local health and environmental issues through effective bioremediation approaches.
7) Species:
Species in this context refers to the different taxa of bacteria identified through molecular techniques. Understanding species diversity is crucial for assessing ecological dynamics and the potential application of specific microbial strains in bioremediation efforts, especially in environments stressed by heavy metal contamination.
8) Activity:
Activity pertains to the biological functions exhibited by the isolated bacterial strains, particularly their resistance to heavy metals and antibiotics. Evaluating such activities allows for a comprehensive understanding of microbial resilience, contributing to insights necessary for developing strategies for bioremediation and environmental restoration.
9) Study (Studying):
Study denotes the systematic investigation into the isolation and characterization of heavy metal-tolerant bacteria from various environmental samples. The methodology and findings presented in the study aim to enhance understanding of microbial resistance mechanisms, with implications for environmental contamination and public health.
10) Similarity:
Similarity refers to the genetic and phenotypic resemblance between the isolated bacterial strains and known references within databases. Through analysis of 16S rDNA sequences, researchers can ascertain how closely the isolates relate to other known bacteria, which is fundamental to accurate identification and phylogenetic classification.
11) Karnataka:
Karnataka is the state in India where the research was conducted, highlighting the specific environmental conditions and pollution challenges present in the region. Contextualizing the study within Karnataka emphasizes the need for local solutions to heavy metal contamination and underlines the significance of environmental microbiology.
12) Pesticide:
Pesticide relates to the chemical agents used to eliminate pests in agricultural practices, often containing heavy metals as contaminants. The study addresses the repercussions of pesticide usage on soil microbial communities and the potential for bacteria to develop resistance, which raises concerns for agricultural practices and food safety.
13) Genu:
Genu pertains to a biological classification, denoting a taxonomic category used in the identification of bacterial strains. Accurate identification at the genus level is integral in microbiological studies for understanding biological functions, ecological significance, and potential applications in environmental management and biotechnology.
14) Road:
In this article, 'road' is part of an address that specifies the location of the research institution. Mentioning the precise road name is relevant for academic transparency and logistical context, allowing readers to locate the institution responsible for the research within a broader academic and geographical framework.
15) Purification:
Purification refers to the processes used to isolate genomic DNA from bacterial samples. This step is critical for subsequent genetic analysis, including PCR amplification and sequencing, ensuring the accuracy of results when identifying and characterizing heavy metal-tolerant bacterial species in the study.
16) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the section of the study where the authors interpret their findings, relate them to existing literature, and explore implications for future research and practical applications. It serves as a platform for analyzing the significance of results in the broader context of environmental microbiology.
17) Gathering:
Gathering denotes the collection of environmental samples in the study, which is pivotal for understanding the diversity and characteristics of microbial communities present in polluted areas. This initial step lays the foundation for all subsequent analyses and characterizations in the research.
18) Toxicity:
Toxicity is a critical aspect of the study relating to the harmful effects that heavy metals can induce in living organisms, including bacteria. Understanding toxicity levels helps inform the development of microbial tolerances and bioremediation approaches to mitigate environmental contamination and protect ecological health.
19) Sheetal:
Sheetal is a co-author involved in the research, contributing to the study's design, data collection, and analysis. Mentioning all authors, including Sheetal, underlines collaborative efforts in scientific research and equips readers with information about the skills and expertise present in the study's execution.
20) Hunting:
Hunting in the context of the study refers to foraging activities that can lead to exposure to heavy metals for communities dependent on natural resources. It illustrates how lifestyles can be influenced by environmental pollution, informing the discussion on broader health impacts linked to industrial contaminants.
21) Arrow:
Arrow is used to describe a graphical representation in the figures illustrating data such as gel electrophoresis results. The arrow serves as a visual aid to guide the reader's understanding of specific findings, demonstrating the importance of effective visual communication in scientific reporting.
22) Sugar:
Sugar is mentioned in the context of biochemical tests that may assess fermentation processes in bacterial isolates. Understanding sugar metabolism is significant for characterizing bacterial species, thereby offering insights into microbial behavior in environments affected by heavy metals and identifying potential bioremediation candidates.
23) Food:
Food in this article refers to the potential pathway through which heavy metals can enter human systems via contaminated soil or water. The study touches upon the implications of environmental contamination on food safety, raising awareness of health risks associated with consuming contaminated agricultural products.
24) Life:
Life encompasses all living organisms, including the bacteria studied and their interactions within ecosystems impacted by pollution. The study underscores the critical relationship between microbial life and environmental health, illustrating how resilient bacteria can inform strategies for managing and restoring contaminated environments.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Isolation of heavy metals and antibiotic-resistant bacteria from samples�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Copper-sulphate, Urban environment, Health Impact, Minimum inhibitory concentration, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Antibiotic resistance, Molecular characterization, Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), Microbiological analysis, Aerobic bacteria, Toxic effect, Pharmaceutical Research, Toxic heavy metal, Biochemical test, Heavy Metal Pollution, Antibiotic-resistant bacteria, Microbial diversity, Contaminated soil, Bacterial isolate, PCR amplification, Serial dilution technique, Genomic DNA isolation, Bioremediation, Lead acetate, Phylogenetic analysis, Zinc sulphate, Genomic DNA Extraction, Environmental samples, Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, Health effect, Trace metal.