Biodegradation of lipid-rich wastewater by a mixed bacterial consortium

A mixed bacterial culture comprising Pseudomonas aeruginosa LP602, Bacillus sp. B-304 and Acinetobacter calcoaceticus LP009 for use in treatment of lipid-rich wastewater was formulated. In our tests, I I of wastewater was treated with a mixed inoculum of 6.1 X 10(8) CFU of LP602, 4.8 X 10(8) CFU B-304 and 8.9 X 10(7) CFU of LP009 in 20 ml of basal salt solution (1.5 mg/ml Na2HPO4, 0.6 mg/ml KH2PO4, 40 mug/ml MgSO4 and 4 mug/ml FeSO4) supplemented with 1% (w/v) CaCl2. The intended role of B-304 was that of a protease and amylase producer while those of LP602 and LP009 were those of lipase producers. The BOD value and lipid content were reduced from similar to3500 and 20,000 mg/l, respectively, to < 20 mg/l within 12 days under aerobic conditions. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.