Isolation of ammonia producing soil bacteria from farms contaminated with pesticide8 answersThe isolation of ammonia-producing soil bacteria from farms contaminated with pesticides is a critical area of research, given the detrimental effects of pesticides on soil health and the beneficial roles of such bacteria in agricultural ecosystems. Studies have shown that soil microflora, including bacteria capable of producing ammonia, play a significant role in plant growth promotion and soil ecosystem balance, even in environments stressed by chemical pesticides. Research has identified various bacterial species with the potential to tolerate and degrade pesticides, thereby suggesting their viability in contaminated soils. For instance, Pseudomonas nitroreducens has been highlighted for its high tolerance to pesticides, indicating its potential for bioremediation in pesticide-polluted agricultural soils.
Further investigations have isolated bacterial strains capable of degrading specific pesticides, such as Carbofuran, Emamectin Benzoate, and Thiamethoxam, with Achromobacter spp. and Diaphorobacter sp. being among the identified genotypes. Similarly, Bacillus sp. has shown significant biodegradation activity against various pesticides, suggesting its utility in rejuvenating pesticide-polluted soils. In addition to pesticide degradation, certain bacteria, like Kocuria assamensis, have demonstrated the ability to degrade malathion and chlorpyrifos, two commonly used pesticides.
Research focusing on nitrogen pollution has also identified nitrifying bacteria, such as Pseudomonas putida and Sphingomonas sp., which could play a role in mitigating nitrogen-related pollution in soils affected by pesticides. Moreover, plant growth-promoting (PGP) bacteria, including Serratia liquefaciens and Micrococcus sp., have been recognized for their potential in bioremediation processes, further supporting the role of ammonia-producing bacteria in improving soil health.
The identification of bacteria from polluted soils, such as Enterobacter cloacae, through molecular techniques like 16s rDNA gene sequencing, underscores the potential of utilizing specific bacterial strains for the bioremediation of pesticide-contaminated soils. Additionally, biosurfactant-producing bacteria, including strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis, have been isolated from pesticide-contaminated fields, indicating their role in soil health restoration. Finally, the isolation of Bacillus species, including Bacillus cereus and Bacillus safensis, from soils heavily contaminated with pesticides in Sudan, highlights the global relevance of identifying and utilizing ammonia-producing soil bacteria for the bioremediation of pesticide-affected farms.
Isolation of soil bacteria5 answersSoil bacteria have been isolated and characterized in several studies. In one study, bacterial strains capable of using vegetable oil as the sole source of carbon were isolated from soil using enrichment culture and MALDI TOF mass spectrometry for identification. Another study compared the bacterial populations in two different soil series and found that one series had a higher bacterial population and more diversified types of colonies. Additionally, a study focused on isolating soil bacteria that are resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics and found three strains that were resistant to ampicillin, penicillin, and amoxicillin. Another study aimed to isolate bacteria strains with the potential to degrade polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in used dielectric oils and identified several strains belonging to different bacterial species. Lastly, a study screened and isolated soil bacteria with antimicrobial activity, finding different zones of inhibition against various pathogenic bacteria.
Ammonia used in fertilizer4 answersAmmonia is widely used in fertilizer applications and is an essential compound for modern society. It is used extensively in the production of ammonia-based fertilizers. The production of ammonia involves the steam reforming of natural gas to produce hydrogen, which is then converted into ammonia using nitrogen from the air. The Haber-Bosch process is currently the main method for ammonia production, but it consumes a significant amount of energy and contributes to CO2 emissions. Biological approaches to ammonia production have been developed as a more sustainable alternative, including nitrogen fixation by nitrogenase in heterogeneous hosts and ammonia production from food waste using microorganisms. Additionally, crop production using nitrogen-fixing bacteria has been considered as a potential approach to achieving a sustainable ammonia economy. Overall, ammonia plays a crucial role in fertilizer production and is an important chemical in various industries.
Ammonia used as fertiliser5 answersAmmonia is widely used as a fertilizer in global food production, which has led to the rapid expansion of the fertilizer industry throughout the twentieth century. It is also used in the steel, chemical, textile, and pharmaceutical industries. Ammonia can be produced through chemical methods or biological approaches, with the latter being more environmentally friendly. The production and utilization of ammonia as a fuel have also been explored, with potential applications in internal combustion engines and energy production. The storage and handling of ammonia require special attention due to its inherent system safety concerns. Additionally, ammonia has been considered as a candidate for storing fluctuating renewable energy due to its high hydrogen content and established infrastructure.
How to degrade pesticide in soil using microbes?5 answersMicrobes can be used to degrade pesticides in soil through a process called biodegradation. Studies have shown that repeated exposure of pesticides to soil microbes can enhance their ability to degrade these compounds. This is achieved through selective enrichment of pesticide-metabolizing microorganisms, which use the pesticides as a source of carbon and nitrogen for growth and energy. The biodegradation process occurs through the ortho- and meta-cleavage pathways in bacteria, which break down the aromatic portion of pesticide molecules. In addition to microbial degradation, organic materials can also be used to enhance the degradation of pesticides in soil through a process called biostimulation. These materials, when locally generated as organic amendments, have shown potential in removing pesticide contamination from the environment. Overall, the use of adapted microbes and organic amendments can be effective strategies for degrading pesticides in soil and reducing their environmental impact.
Does ammonia promote microbial growth in drinking water?5 answersAmmonia can have different effects on microbial growth in drinking water depending on the specific conditions and treatment processes. In some cases, ammonia can lead to the formation of disinfection byproducts during chlorination and promote bacteria regrowth in water distribution systems. However, when used to inhibit bromate formation during ozonation, ammonia is not expected to promote nitrification in distribution systems and would have little impact on the ozonation process. The impact of ammonia on biologically active filters, which often follow ozonation, is more difficult to evaluate and requires further study. Overall, the removal of ammoniacal nitrogen is an important aspect of drinking water treatment processes, and the concentrations of growth-promoting nutrients, including ammonia, need to be carefully managed to ensure biostable drinking water.