Potencial biotecnológico de consorcios microbianos antárticos para la biorremediación de materia orgánica

Abstract

CONDITION FOR PUBLICATION OF PROJECT. Biological wastewater treatment shows low efficiency in cold regions because the microorganisms commonly used are mesophilic. This project evaluates the biotechnological potential of psychrotolerant Antarctic microorganisms to optimize the bioremediation of organic matter under these conditions. Samples were collected on King George Island, Antarctica, from which 266 bacterial strains were isolated through enrichment in synthetic wastewater. The methodology included a qualitative screening of enzymatic activity at 15°C and a quantification of the production of amylases, proteases, lipases, and ureases at 20°C. With the highest-performing isolates, such as Exiguobacterium antarcticum and Serratia surfactantfaciens, two bacterial consortia were formulated. The results showed that the consortium designed for functional specialization (C1) achieved a Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) removal of nearly 50% in 168 hours, doubling the efficiency of the second consortium. Statistical analysis indicates that the consortium is robust and efficient even at low inoculum concentrations. It is concluded that Antarctic ecosystems are a valuable source of microorganisms for developing efficient and economically viable biotechnological solutions for effluent treatment in cold climates.