Biodegradation of lipid-rich wastewater by a mixed bacterial consortium

A mixed bacterial culture comprising Pseudomonas aeruginosa LP602, Bacillus sp. B304 and Acinetobacter calcoaceticus LP009 for use in treatment of lipid-rich wastewater was formulated. In our tests, 1 l of wastewater was treated with a mixed inoculum of 6.1×108 CFU of LP602, 4.8×108 CFU B304 and 8.9×107 CFU of LP009 in 20 ml of basal salt solution (1.5 mg/ml Na2HPO4, 0.6 mg/mlKH2PO4, 40 μg/mlMgSO4 and 4 μg/mlFeSO4) supplemented with 1% (w/v) CaCl2. The intended role of B304 was that of a protease and amylase producer while those of LP602 and LP009 were those of lipase producers. The BOD value and lipid content were reduced from not, vert, similar3500 and 20,000 mg/l, respectively, to <20 mg/l within 12 days under aerobic conditions.