The mineral enriched Odisha is one of the major producers of bauxite, China clay, chromate, coal, dolomite, fire clay, graphite, gemstone, iron ore, lime stones, manganese ore etc. Along with these minerals Cadmium is present in a small amount. Due to uncontrolled mining & careless handling, the cadmium leeches to nearby water sources. These springs when came down to the plain, the amount of cadmium is significantly higher.
Rivers of Odisha are life-line of odias. Very small amounts of cadmium present in drinking water or in drinking water or in food contamination leads to severe bone softening (osteomalacia), osteoporosis, kidney malfunctioning, muscle weakness etc. It is carcinogenic. Itai-itai disease occurs in Japan due to cadmium pollution. In case of accidental ingestion, adsorption with activated charcoal & chelation therapy are also not much effective.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram negative bacteria. This is an effective bio absorbent for Cd, Cu & Pb. Dead cell biomasses also have a high ability of adsorption. Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from activated sludge could efficiently remove 94.7% Cd from solution within 60 min. Pseudomonas can remove Cd from the environment & Cd can be restored by phytoextraction.
If we use genetic engineering to improve the ability of retention of heavy metals of heavy metals and inoculate these microbes in urban areas where water is polluted by heavy metals. Pseudomonas sp. are also helpful for plant growth & reduce the effect of metal toxicity.
There is a lot to discover & various researches are going on to study Pseudomonas sp. . If the works come to ground level then lots of lives can be saved.
Source- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13201-018-0796-5
Written By-
Usha Kiran Sahoo
