Work

Waste‐Contaminated Sites Near Dhaka City Harbour Specific Biosurfactant‐Producing Bacillus and Stutzerimonas Strains With Potential Biotechnological Applications

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Biosurfactants are eco‐friendly surface‐active compounds produced by microorganisms that lower surface and interfacial tensions, enhancing the bioavailability of hydrophobic compounds. The study reports the isolation and characterization of biosurfactant‐producing bacteria from industrial waste effluent in a river near Dhaka, Bangladesh. Using diesel‐enriched media, bacterial strains were isolated and screened for biosurfactant production using oil displacement, emulsification index (E24%), and drop‐collapse assays. The microbial cultures were characterized based on biochemical activities and 16S rRNA sequencing. Biosurfactant characterization was carried out using chromatographic techniques. Six cultures passed the drop‐collapse and oil‐displacement tests with E24% ranging from 9% to 41%. The CTAB agar assay confirmed the anionic nature of the biosurfactants. The potential biosurfactant producers belong mostly to the Bacillus and Stutzerimonas groups, with one low‐biosurfactant‐producing isolate from the Enterobacteriaceae group. The presence of two consortia, Bacillus‐Acinetobacter and Bacillus‐Stutzerimonas , was also observed. The isolates and consortia exhibited varying levels of antibacterial, antifungal, adherence, and plant growth‐promoting activity. Biosurfactant production capacity under extreme conditions has been characterized by pH stability (pH 2–pH 11), salinity tolerance (2%–10% NaCl), and temperature tolerance (40°C–100°C). Overall, they provide a green and economical alternative to synthetic surfactants, with low toxicity and potential applications in bioremediation, biocontrol, and plant growth promotion.

Source: Environmental Microbiology Reports

DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.70440

Authors: Ummey Fatema Tun Amina, Maliha Mahzabin, Sk. Shahriar Bin Rasul, Sabrina M. Elias

Institution: Independent University, Bangladesh

Language: English

Topic: Microbial bioremediation and biosurfactants

Subfield: Pollution

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,300