Multi Metal Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae KW is an Efficient Copper Accumulator and Bioremediator of Industrial Waste Water

Abstract

Increasing concentrations of different essential and non-essential metals in the environment have posed a serious threat to all kinds of life. Bioremediation is considered as the best possible solution among the existing ones to reduce this kind of pollution. In the current study, copper resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strains KW and CC were investigated for their bioremediation potential. Maximum uptake of Cu++ by mid log phase cultures of KW and CC was 19.26 and 28.77μg per mg cell dry weight, respectively. The strains also exhibited efflux ability; KW possessed more efficient efflux system as it expelled 94.46% of maximum stored copper within 24 h as compared to 56% by CC. These strains were also found substantially resistant to some other toxic heavy metals generally present in the industrial effluents. These strains exhibited good growth in the wide range of pH (5-10) and temperature (25 -44°C). KW and CC were also investigated for their resistance potential against various antibiotics. KW was found to be resistant to broader range of antibiotics as compared to CC. All these characteristics viz., high tolerance against Cu++, excellent Cu++ uptake and efflux abilities, remarkable multi metal resistance potential and tolerance against substantial ranges of temperature and pH make K. pneumoniae KW an efficient tool for cleaning Cu++ rich industrial effluents.