Bioremoval of nutrients from wastewater by a denitrifier Paracoccus denitrificans ISTOD1

The introduction of plant nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus in water bodies cause a natural ageing process called eutrophication. In the present study, 71.9% NO3−N and 93% ortho-P removal was achieved within 72 h by an aerobic denitrifier P.denitrificans ISTOD1, suggesting the strain as a potential denitrifying phosphorus accumulating organism (DPAO). To make wastewater treatment cost-effective, different concentration of molasses were optimized for maximum EPS production. Application of strain ISTOD1 in real wastewater samples with 5% molasses resulted in NH4+-N, NO2−N, NO3−N, TN, COD and TP removal efficiencies of 99.6%, 79.2%, 83.8%, 97.3%, 84.2% and 100%. Moreover, 1.9 g/L EPS production was also observed between late exponential- stationary phase. Assessment on wastewater demonstrated the capability of ISTOD1 in overall nutrient removal along with EPS production. Bioflocculation efficiency of the domestic wastewater produced EPS makes the strain an efficient candidate for enhanced wastewater remediation.