Volume 13, Issue 4 (3-2026)
J Environ Health Eng 2026, 13(4): 494-510 |
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Birjandi N, Hasanvand E, Toulabian K, Daraie H. Isolation and identification of microplastic-degrading bacteria from polluted areas around the petrochemical complex (case study: Lorestan Petrochemical). J Environ Health Eng 2026; 13 (4) :494-510
URL: http://jehe.abzums.ac.ir/article-1-1147-en.html
URL: http://jehe.abzums.ac.ir/article-1-1147-en.html
1- Assistant Professor of Environment, Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Natural Resources, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran , birjandi.n@lu.ac.ir
2- Qazvin Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Qazvin, Iran
3- Master's student in Environmental Planning, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
4- PhD in Environmental Health, Faculty of Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
2- Qazvin Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Qazvin, Iran
3- Master's student in Environmental Planning, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
4- PhD in Environmental Health, Faculty of Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Abstract: (49 Views)
Background: The mass production, widespread use, and improper disposal of plastic products have led to significant environmental pollution. Over time, larger plastic polymers break down into smaller particles known as microplastics. This study aimed to isolate and identify indigenous beneficial bacteria capable of degrading microplastics in the vicinity of the Lorestan Petrochemical Complex in Khorramabad County, Iran.
Materials and Methods: Samples were collected from the rhizosphere of plants, as well as from sludge and contaminated water in the petrochemical area. Following transfer to the laboratory, the samples were cultured on nutrient agar, nutrient broth, and 2XYT media. After isolation and purification, bacterial strains were identified based on phenotypic and biochemical characteristics, as well as partial sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. The identified species included Pseudomonas koreensis, Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens, Arthrobacter globiformis, and Bacillus cereus. The isolates were further evaluated for their ability to form biofilms, produce siderophores and proteases, exhibit swarming motility, solubilize phosphate, and synthesize indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), among other traits.
Results: Among the isolates, Pseudomonas koreensis exhibited the highest levels of biofilm formation, swarming motility, siderophore production, protease activity, and tolerance to petroleum hydrocarbons. Meanwhile, Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens demonstrated the greatest capacity for phosphate solubilization and indole-3-acetic acid production. Conclusion: Bioremediation presents an efficient, economical, and sustainable approach among various remediation strategies, offering the potential for high efficacy with minimal environmental impact in the treatment of contaminated soils. Notably, this study introduces Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens for the first time as a microplastic-degrading bacterium.
Materials and Methods: Samples were collected from the rhizosphere of plants, as well as from sludge and contaminated water in the petrochemical area. Following transfer to the laboratory, the samples were cultured on nutrient agar, nutrient broth, and 2XYT media. After isolation and purification, bacterial strains were identified based on phenotypic and biochemical characteristics, as well as partial sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. The identified species included Pseudomonas koreensis, Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens, Arthrobacter globiformis, and Bacillus cereus. The isolates were further evaluated for their ability to form biofilms, produce siderophores and proteases, exhibit swarming motility, solubilize phosphate, and synthesize indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), among other traits.
Results: Among the isolates, Pseudomonas koreensis exhibited the highest levels of biofilm formation, swarming motility, siderophore production, protease activity, and tolerance to petroleum hydrocarbons. Meanwhile, Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens demonstrated the greatest capacity for phosphate solubilization and indole-3-acetic acid production. Conclusion: Bioremediation presents an efficient, economical, and sustainable approach among various remediation strategies, offering the potential for high efficacy with minimal environmental impact in the treatment of contaminated soils. Notably, this study introduces Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens for the first time as a microplastic-degrading bacterium.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/12/16 | Accepted: 2026/02/14 | Published: 2026/03/18
Received: 2025/12/16 | Accepted: 2026/02/14 | Published: 2026/03/18
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