Isolation and Screening of Indigenous Heavy Metal Resistant Bacteria from E-Waste Contaminated Soils for Bioremediation Applications
Keywords:
E-waste, Heavy metals, Metal-resistant bacteria, Bioremediation, Soil contaminationAbstract
The rapid increase in electronic waste (e-waste) has become a serious environmental concern due to the release of toxic heavy metals into soil ecosystems. This study aimed to isolate and screen indigenous heavy metal resistant bacteria from e-waste contaminated soils and evaluate their potential for bioremediation applications. Soil samples were collected from selected e-waste dumping sites and analyzed for physicochemical properties and heavy metal content. Bacterial isolates were obtained using metal-amended culture media and screened for resistance against lead, cadmium, chromium, and nickel. Selected isolates were further evaluated through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) studies to determine their tolerance levels. The results revealed significantly elevated concentrations of heavy metals in contaminated soils and a reduced overall microbial population; however, several indigenous bacterial strains exhibited strong multi-metal resistance with high tolerance thresholds. These findings highlight the adaptive capability of native soil bacteria and their potential use as eco-friendly and sustainable agents for the remediation of heavy metal polluted environments associated with improper e-waste disposal.
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