AMBARISH SINDAGI AND MANJULA SHANTARAM
Abstract
Cadmium, a highly persistent heavy metal, exhibits strong bioaccumulation potential, posing serious risks of food chain contamination and associated health hazards. This study was aimed to isolate, identify, and characterize cadmium-resistant bacteria from polluted soils of the Belur Industrial area, Dharwad, Karnataka. Ten isolates were screened, and two strains showing superior growth at cadmium concentrations of 100â500 mg l-¹ were selected. Molecular characterization revealed them as Enterobacter mori (BIDS I) and Pseudomonas aestus (BIDS IV). Both exhibited optimal growth at 30 °C and pH 7.0 with high cadmium tolerance. After 72 h, E. mori BIDS I and Pseudomonas alcaliphila (BIDS II) achieved cadmium removal efficiencies of 87% and 78%, respectively, while P. aestus and Aeromonas hydrophila (BIDS VI) removed 72% and 70%. Additionally, these strains reduced biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and other effluent parameters by up to 80%. The high efficiency, adaptability, and cost effectiveness of E. mori and P. aestus suggest their strong potential for large-scale bioremediation applications, including effluent treatment plants, drinking water purification, and pollution management in resource-limited settings.