Potential of Indigenous Bacteria from Batik Wastewater as Cu Bioremediation Agent

Abstract

Copper (Cu) is a heavy metal which can cause environmental problems in excessive amount. The presence of indigenous bacteria
in a Cu-contaminated-environment can be used to reduce Cu levels in the environment. This study aims to determine the potential of bacteria
isolated from batik wastewater as Cu bioremediation agent and to characterize those bacteria. Isolation of bacteria was carried out using the
enrichment culture media consist of NB + 100 ppm CuSO4. The copper resistance test was carried out by growing bacterial isolates in NA
media containing CuSO4 with concentrations of 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 and 700 ppm. The copper reduction test was determined by atomic
absorption spectrophotometer. Bacterial identification was conducted by biochemistry characterization. The results showed that 10 bacterial
isolates were able to grow on NA media containing 100 ppm CuSO4. Four bacterial isolates (namely α3, α5, α8, and α9) showed the highest
resistance to CuSO4 (700 ppm). Bacterial isolates α3, α5, and α9 were able to reduce Cu by up to 75,03%; 76,73%; and 76,34%. The three
bacterial isolates showed similar characteristics to members of the Genus Xanthomonas. Isolate α8 was able to reduce Cu up to 77,05% and
was identified as member of the Genus Pseudomonas.