Separation of Mercury Resistant Bacteria from Wastewater of Milk, Detergent and Ceramic Industry

Abstract

Use of microorganisms for removing mercury is an effective technology for the treatment of 
industrial wastewaters and can become an effective tool for the remediation of man-impacted coastal 
ecosystems with this metal. In this study, seven types of mercury resistant bacteria were separated from 
industrial waste and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), were determined for these bacteria. Results 
showed that two strains of bacteria, which isolated from waste water detergent plants, are more resistant to 
mercury and able to grow at the presence of 52 ppm of mercuric chloride. These bacteria could be used for 
biological treatment of mercury in contaminated wastewater.