Phylogenetics of Heavy Metal-Tolerant Microbes Associated with Eichhornia crassipes
Supervised by: Dr Sanjay Lal
Project Duration: 3 months in 2015
Worked as: Intern
At: ARIBAS, Sardar Patel University
AIM
To isolate, identify, and characterize heavy metal-degrading microbial strains associated with the roots of Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth) from a polluted environment, and to construct a phylogenetic tree to explore their evolutionary relationships. The ultimate goal was to investigate the potential application of these microbes in bioleaching and bioremediation processes.
Approach
The study was conducted in an eutrophic pond near Anand City, India, known for high levels of domestic waste influx, which provided an ideal environment for identifying heavy metal-tolerant microbes. The roots of Eichhornia crassipes were carefully collected and subjected to microbial isolation techniques. Eleven microbial strains were successfully isolated, each showing the ability to degrade heavy metals such as copper, chromium, and zinc. To confirm their identities, molecular techniques, including Amplified Ribosomal DNA Restriction Analysis (ARDRA) of 16S rRNA genes, were employed. Using advanced bioinformatics tools like NT-Sys and Geneious Prime, the sequences were analyzed to construct a detailed phylogenetic tree, showcasing the evolutionary relationships between the isolated strains and other known microbes.
Output and Impact
The study successfully isolated and characterized eleven microbial strains, including members of Priestia megaterium, Palstonia mannitolilytica, and Bacillus firmicutes, which demonstrated robust heavy metal-degrading capabilities. The phylogenetic analysis provided insights into their genetic relatedness, highlighting their evolutionary adaptations to survive and thrive in metal-contaminated environments.
This research holds significant potential for environmental and industrial applications. The isolated strains have promising applications in bioremediation, where they could be used to detoxify environments contaminated with heavy metals. In addition, their ability to participate in bioleaching offers a sustainable method for extracting metals from low-grade ores, reducing the environmental footprint of mining industries. By leveraging these microbes, this study contributes to advancing solutions for environmental sustainability and industrial metal recovery processes, ultimately leading to a more ecologically balanced future.
