Bacteria Associated with Degradation of Wastes from Rubber Processing Industry

An investigation of bacteria found in rubber processing wastes was carried out. Rubber wastes which include effluents from washing tanks and natural rubber waste serum (NRWS) were obtained from Greenpark Rubber Industries Limited, Umutu, Delta State, Nigeria. Five bacterial species were isolated from the wastes. These include Arthrobacter sp., Bacillus sp., Lactobacillus sp., Psuedomonas sp. and Streptococcus sp. Apart from these a number of coliforms were also encountered. Arthrobacter sp. was found to be the dominant species and its potential to utilize rubber hydrocarbon was determined. It was found that the growth of Arthrobacter in both effluent and NRWS was related to pH with the highest growths recorded at pH of 8.5 and 7.5 for effluent and NRWS respectively. It was also found that at controlled pH of 7.5 in NRWS, the growth of Arthrobacter was consistent and was accompanied by a reduction in biological oxygen demand (BOD) which was the the main index for measuring pollution strength of the wastes. It is therefore being recommended that rubber wastes be treated with Arthrobacter under controlled pH to reduce their pollution potentials before disposal. It is however suggested that a combined biological treatment using both Arthrobacter and Mucor as was earlier suggested be used. It is also recommended that chemical flocculants should be used to remove suspended solids in the effluent. A combination of these two cheap methods will go a long way in alleviating the problems of pollution caused by rubber effluents from some tropical rubber processing factories.