LEAD BIOACCUMULATING BACTERIA FROM KARAD, (MS) INDIA

Contamination of lead and other heavy metals is an environmental problem in worldwide because of their toxic effects on ecosystem and human. Removal of lead from the contaminated area is very difficult. Different chemical and physical are used for remove the metal from soil and water; but the use of biological method represents most cheap and efficient method. Eight lead bioaccumulating bacteria were isolated. The isolates had distinct morphological and biochemical features. Seven isolates grew on Luria agar with 10 mM lead. The isolates had ability to produce polysaccharides. The extent of lead accumulation was estimated using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), where the pbr 5 found to be most potent with accumulation of 2012 ppm of lead. The siderophore production and nitrogen fixation ability of isolates highlighted their possible role in plant growth promotion.