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Diversity and biotechnological potential of cultivable alkaline aquatic microbiomes
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This research catalogs the diversity of cultivable alkaliphilic bacteria — microorganisms that thrive in high-pH environments — and evaluates their biotechnological applications, including the ability of certain strains to degrade plastics. The findings expand the known pool of industrially relevant extremophiles and suggest potential roles in bioremediation and sustainable materials processing.
Water samples, originating from the mildly alkaline (pH 7.4) brackish groundwater spring (MAGW), moderately alkaline (pH 8.1) hypersaline sea (SW), and fresh lake (LW), as well as from the hyperalkaline (pH 11.7) fresh groundwater well (HAGW), were selected to examine the diversity of cultivable bacteria and to assess their plastolytic and lignocellulolytic potential. The most represented aquatic genera after cultivation were Aeromonas in LW and MAGW sample, Bacillus in HAGW sample, and Vibrio in SW sample. Over 60% of 128 screened aquatic isolates had the ability to grow on plastic substrates Impranil® DLN-SD (SD) and DL 2077, polycaprolactone diol, and bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate as sole carbon source, while 8.6% of screened isolates showed signs of polyurethane degradation. Majority (>90%) of all screened isolates grew on lignocellulosic substrates carboxymethyl cellulose, xylan, and lignin, respectively, while 12.5% of screened isolates, all originating from the examined groundwater samples, demonstrated complete degradation of cellulose. Potential applications of polyurethane- and cellulose-degrading microbial isolates for the management and valorization of plastic and biomass waste in aquatic environments should be further explored. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Vibrio, Aeromonas, and Bacillus were the most represented genera after seawater, lakewater, and groundwater cultivation. Over 60% of all screened aquatic isolates grew on four tested plastic substrates, with 8.6% showing signs of polyurethane degradation. Majority of screened aquatic isolates grew on three tested lignocellulosic substrates, with 12.5% completely degrading carboxymethyl cellulose. Biotechnological potential of polyurethane- and cellulose-degrading isolates for plastic and biomass waste management in aquatic environments should be further explored.
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