Bioprospecting Of Soil Microflora For Urease Activity And Their Role In Urea Detoxification From Wastewater

Abstract

Urea-rich wastewater from agricultural and industrial sources poses a significant threat to environmental sustainability due to nitrogen accumulation and eutrophication. In this study, soil samples were collected from agricultural farmland and petroleum-contaminated soil to explore and harness native urease-producing microflora for bioremediation applications. Bacterial colonies were isolated and screened for urease activity using nutrient agar plates. Among the isolates, a potent urease-producing strain, designated WUA_1, identified as Pseudomonas panipatensis and subjected to further characterization through gram staining, 16S rRNA sequencing confirmed the identity of the isolate. Both qualitative and quantitative assays, including Nessler’s reagent method, were employed to evaluate urease activity. Growth optimization studies were conducted under varying parameters such as temperature, pH, salinity, and incubation periods to determine conditions that maximize urease production. For enhanced practical application, cells were immobilized in alginate beads, and immobilization efficiency was assessed. Application studies demonstrated that the immobilized microbial beads effectively hydrolyzed urea in industrial effluent, confirming their potential for sustainable and eco-friendly urea detoxification. The results underscore the importance of bioprospecting soil microflora as a viable approach for wastewater treatment through enzymatic degradation of urea.