Molecular Identification and Characterization of Bacteria Exhibiting Resistance to Different Metal isolated from Industrial Effluents, CETP, and Sirsa River, Baddi, Himachal Pradesh, India

The rapid industrialization of geologic and human activities has led to the emergence and widespread problem of heavy metal pollution, which poses a considerable menace to both the ecological system and human well-being. The objective of this study is to investigate, extract, recognize, and describe bacteria that possess the ability to reduce and detoxify heavy metals like Cu, Zn, Cd, Ni, Pb, Hg, and Cr found in industrial effluent, CETP, and the Sirsa River. Initially, a combined sum of 100 isolates underwent screening on NA plates containing different heavy metal supplements Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg, and Cr at a concentration of 50 ppm in their salt form. After screening, the five best isolates that showed high resistance were selected. The MIC of the microbial strains for metallic elements ranged from 50 to 550 ppm. All five isolates with resistance exhibited numerous tolerance to heavy metals and exhibited varying MICs against the aforementioned metallic elements at diverse concentrations. Maximum tolerable concentration and multi-metal resistance were determined. Identification of isolates extended up to the genus level through assessment of their morphological and biochemical characteristics, & analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences and were recognized as belonging to the Bacillus cereus (OR243903), Stenotrophomonas maltophila (OR243725), Bacillus cereus (OR244395), Bacillus cereus (OR243740) and E. Coli (OR244383). The bacteria resistant to heavy metals obtained from this research could prove valuable for bioremediation efforts in environments contaminated with heavy metals. Bioremediation, utilizing these bacteria resistant to heavy metals (HMRB), is the most favorable approach to tackle this concern. Therefore, identifying five bacteria for their resistance to heavy metals and capacity for biodegradation serves as a foundational investigation toward developing potential local bioremediation agents for industrial effluent treatment technology.