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September 10, 2025Open Access

Gray Water to Green Gold: Characterization and Potential of Polyhydroxyalkanoate-Producing Microbes From Industrial Effluents

RAR AFRIDIThe University of Agriculture, Peshawar FSFarah ShireenIqra National University SKS KHANEast China University of Science and Technology

Key Points

Nine bacterial strains were isolated from industrial wastewater, and three were identified as polyhydroxyalkanoate producers.
Analysis showed the wastewater contained a high organic load, with BOD at 3900 mg/L and COD at 6960 mg/L, supporting microbial growth.
Microbial strains were identified through molecular characterization using 16S rRNA sequencing, demonstrating their potential for biopolymer synthesis.
Results highlight that industrial wastewater provides a sustainable substrate for cultivating PHA-producing bacteria, advancing circular economy initiatives.

Abstract

Due to high organic load and potential toxicity, the industrial wastewater (WW) poses significant environmental challenges necessitating effective management strategies. The WW presents a unique prospect for bioprocessing such as for the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) due to the presence of microorganisms. This study aimed to isolate and characterize PHA-producing microbes from industrial WW, evaluating their potential for biopolymer synthesis. The collected WW samples were analyzed physiochemically to determine values of parameters like temperature, pH, and concentrations of TDS, BOD and chemical oxygen demand (COD). Results of this research work shows the temperature 40oC, pH =6.2, BOD 3900mg/L, COD 6960m/L and TDS 868mg/L, showing a high number of pollutants adequate for microbial growth. Total of nine strains of bacteria were isolated, among which three strains are recognized as PHA producers that are Serratia nematodiphla, Pseudomonas granadensis and Enterobacter cloacae. These strains were identified through staining techniques and molecular characterization using 16S rRNA sequencing, UV Visible spectroscopy determined characteristics. A total indicated characteristic absorbance peaks corresponding to PHA, while FTIR analysis identified functional groups indicative of biopolymeric structures. The investigations determined that WW is an efficient substrate for growing PHA producing bacteria, providing sustainable waste management and non-toxic materials. In future researcher should focus on various factors to create an ideal environment for cultivation and increasing the capacity for PHA production. This approach turns waste into valuable products and advancing circular economy.

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