Studies on Treatment of Synthetic Rubber Manufacturing Industry Effluent by Isolated Pseudomonas Species

The study deals with characterisation and treatment of industrial wastewater from a rubber processing industry situated in Chengalpattu, Tamilnadu. For treatment of the wastewater, methods used by the industry were insufficient, so attempts were made to carry out treatment of this effluent by biological means. Characterisation of the effluent was carried out and studied for microbial degradation. Microorganisms were isolated by using selective enrichment technique from petroleum soil. Isolation of microbes was carried from 80% effluent as it gives good results. Two isolates were found having maximum degradation efficiency. Identification of isolates was carried according to Bergey's Manual. The isolates were found Pseudomonas palleronii and Pseudomonas solanacearum. Identified isolates were studied for their degradation abilities. Optimization of environmental conditions, which affect degradation rate, were carried out and include effect of agitation and aeration, effect of simple nutrients, effect of alkaline pH, effect of mineral salts and use of mixed culture on rate of degradation etc.