Biofilm formation by selected microbial strains isolated from wastewater and their consortia: mercury resistance and removal potential.

Wastewater often contains an increased amount of mercury and, at the same time, resistant microorganisms. During wastewater treatment, a biofilm of indigenous microorganisms is often unavoidable. Therefore, the objective of this research is to isolate and identify microorganisms from wastewater and investigate their ability to form biofilms for possible application in mercury removal processes.

Finding the best combination of autochthonous microorganisms with the most effective biosorption ability for heavy metals removal from wastewater.

The presence of heavy metals (HMs) in the environment represents a serious environmental problem. In this regard, this work was conceived with the aim of finding, among indigenous microorganisms, the species and their combinations with the best biosorption activity for the following HMs: zinc, lead, cadmium, copper, and nickel. The experiment was carried out in several steps: (1) isolation and identification of microbial strains from the Central Effluent Treatment Plant's wastewater; (2) studying the interaction of microorganisms and the ability to form biofilms in 96-well plates; (3) testing the resistance of biofilms to HMs; (4) testing the growth of biofilms on AMB media carriers in the presence of HMS; and (5) biosorption assay.

Response of selected microbial strains and their consortia to the presence of automobile paints: Biofilm growth, matrix protein content and hydrolytic enzyme activity.

The goal of the current study was to examine the effects of pollutants (White color - CP; Metallic red color - FM; Thinner - CN; Thinner for rinsing paint - MF; Basic color (primer) - FH) originating from the automotive industry on the biofilm growth, matrix protein content, and activity of the hydrolytic enzymes of selected microbial strains in laboratory conditions that mimic the bioreactor conditions. The chosen microorganisms (bacteria, yeasts, and fungi) were isolated from automotive industry wastewater. Pure microbe cultures and their consortia were injected into AMB Media carriers and developed into biofilms.

Heavy metal tolerance and removal potential in mixed-species biofilm.

The aim of the study was to examine heavy metal tolerance (Cd, Zn, Ni and Cu) of single- and mixed-species biofilms (Rhodotorula mucilaginosa and Escherichia coli) and to determine metal removal efficiency (Cd, Zn, Ni, Cu, Pb and Hg). Metal tolerance was quantified by crystal violet assay and results were confirmed by fluorescence microscopy. Metal removal efficiency was determined by batch biosorption assay.