This study describes the removal of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb) from a synthetic wastewater effluent by consortium culture (CC), an environmental bacterial consortium. The metal removal capability of growing (active) and non-growing (inactive) CC cells in heavy metal containing synthetic wastewater (SWW) and deionised distilled water (ddH2O) were examined by determining percentage metal removal (% MR) over a 7 day period. Metal removal capability was tested at both high (1/5) and low (1/10) metal concentration strengths to imitate occurrence of heavy metal pollution in the natural environment due to industrial activities. Growing cells of CC showed higher removal of Pb (49-69 %), Cu (45-61 %) and Cr (55-67 %) in SWW whereas non-growing cells removed more of Cd (100 %) and Ni (72- 94%) (p < 0.05). It was observed that non-growing cells achieved equilibrium earlier with quicker metal removal (by day 1-3) as opposed to growing cells. However, % MR by growing cells was higher in samples with elevated initial concentration of total metals (p < 0.05). Results of this study indicate the possibility of employing CC in both growing (active) and non-growing (inactive) variety to fulfill varying waste conditions and to cater for in situ and ex situ heavy metal laden waste treatment

This investigation reports the tolerance and biodegradation of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene isomers (BTEX) by a heavy metal-adapted environmental bacterial consortium, known as consortium culture (CC). Higher tolerance was observed with benzene (IC50 value up to 191.25 mg/L), followed by toluene (IC50 = 139.67 mg/L), xylene (IC50 = 97.04 mg/L) and ethylbenzene (IC50 =96.99 mg/L). Significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the specific growth rate (?), however was observed as the concentrations of each individual BTEX were increased from 10 mg/L to 500 mg/L. Growth of CC was completely inhibited at 250 mg/L ethylbenzene and 500 mg/L xylene. Toxicity followed the trend: BT>X>E.