Biodegradation of aqueous H2S using pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria strain no. 1244

H2S gas is a colorless, malodorous gas. This odor is actually formed by the bacterial decomposition of sulfur-containing proteins. Hydrogen sulfide gas occurs naturally in crude petroleum, natural gas, volcanic gases and hot springs. It also can result from bacterial breakdown of organic matter and be produced by human and animal wastes. Hydrogen sulfide also can result from industrial activities, such as food processing, coke ovens, Kraft paper mills, tanneries and petroleum refineries. This study aims to utilize Pseudomonas aeruginosa to treat Aqueous Hydrogen sulfide. Optical density was used to monitor the growth of bacteria this was calibrated against the cell dry weight. Samples with 60, 75, 100, and 150 ppm of hydrogen sulfide were inoculated with 5ml of liquid media with bacterial culture. Blank tests were done with samples of equivalent Hâ‚‚S concentrations but with the presence of dead microorganisms. Concentrations, optical density and pH levels were monitored for a minimum of 22 hours. All runs showed decrease of H2S to nil concentrations. Favorable growth of bacteria was seen in samples with 75 and 60ppm H2S concentration. The data gathered was found to fit the Monod rate equation where the specific growth rate, Umax is 0.23 and the Monod constant, km is 0.00055 and the yield coefficient, Y x/s is 0.00762. The group realizes the potential of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the treatment of H2S. It is recommended that a thorough kinetic study be made to fully describe the biodegradation of H2S gas. In connection with the bio filtration of other toxic compounds, experiments using different microorganisms are also recommended for the purpose of investigating for the general behavior of different microorganisms in the presence of toxic compounds and also to widen the range of microorganisms that can be used to treat toxic compounds. The group also sees the possibility of utilizing Pseudomonas aeruginosa not only in the treatment of waste gas but also in waste water treatment