Characterization of Target Organisms from Environmental Origin for Rapid Bioremediation of Hexamine

The non-aromatic, heterocyclic hexamine is one of the most refractory pollutants in some industrial effluents and food-grade plastics. This compound and its derivatives harm human health with limited options for eco-friendly biological treatment. This study reports the characterization of two rapid hexamine-removing bacterial isolates, Micromonospora citrea SRCHD01 and Micrococcus luteus SRCHD02, from wastewater of Hexamine producing plant at Vishakapatnam, India. The former is a structured biofilm former while the latter is a weak biofilm former with both isolates dividing faster under immobilized conditions. Isolate SRCHD01 could reduce 200 mg/L hexamine to 84.91 mg/L in 24 h with associated Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) reduction of 99% from an initial concentration of 8028.93 mg/L within 120 h, making it the fastest hexamine-removing bacteria reported till date. The investigation opens a new avenue for studying the bioremediation of hexamine in biofilm reactors ensuring environmental protection.

Automated summary

This study reports the isolation of two rapid hexamine-removing bacterial isolates, Micromonospora citrea SRCHD01 and Micrococcus luteus SRCHD02, from wastewater of a Hexamine producing plant in Vishakapatnam, India. Isolate SRCHD01 was able to degrade 200 mg/L hexamine to 84.91 mg/L in 24 h and reduce the Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) by 99% from an initial concentration of 8028.93 mg/L within 120 h. This investigation provides a new avenue for studying the bioremediation of hexamine in biofilm reactors and ensuring environmental protection.