Bioremediation of Sewage Waste Water using Rhodobacter Capsulatus

Dr. Praveen Kumar Agrawal

Abstract: Rhodobacter capsulatus is a species of purple bacteria, a group of bacteria that can obtain energy through photosynthesis. It has diverse metabolism and therefore it can be used as a potent bioremedial agent. An attempt was therefore made to evaluate its effectiveness in improving the physico-chemical quality of water contaminated with sewage waste. Certain parameters for the assessment of quality of sewage contaminated water were considered, including pH, BOD, nitrates, sulphates, chlorides and ammonia. Parameters were tested before, during and after the bioremedial treatment with Rhodobacter capsulatus A comparison amongst three stages of testing was made, which has been of great help in assessing the bioremedial impact of Rhodobacter capsulatus. The outcome of the study indicates that Rhodobacter capsulatus is a potent bioremedial agent in improving the quality of natural water bodies. It can oxidise the organic load present in the sewage waste, even in the absence of oxygen.

Keywords: Bioremediation, Bioreactor, BOD, Rhodobacter capsulatus