Skatole remediation potential of Rhodopseudomonas palustris WKU-KDNS3 isolated from an animal waste lagoon

Skatole (3MI) is a major contributor to the malodor emission resulting from ruminant and human faeces. The remediation of malodor has been a major challenge for the animal production industry. In this investigation, a pure culture of purple nonsulphur bacterium capable of degrading 3MI was isolated from a swine waste lagoon using an enrichment technique and identified as Rhodopseudomonas palustris WKU-KDNS3 based on 16S rRNA analysis and UV-visible spectroscopy. The cell structure of the organism was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. Growth profile and 3MI removal pattern were determined using media supplemented with 01mol 3MI under short-term and long-term aerobic growth conditions. The organism grew on 3MI media as luxuriantly as control (without 3MI). Growth of R.palustris WKU-KDNS3 demonstrated a significant reduction in the level of 3MI (>48%) in 72h. The level of 3MI dropped further by >93% of the total concentration present in the medium in 21days. Skatole remediation potential of R.palustris WKU-KDNS3 can be judiciously utilized in various animal and industrial waste treatment systems.