Mixed substrate degradation: Are consortia better than monocultures?

Abstract

In the present study, an attempt has been made to understand the behaviour of bacterial cultures in consortia. The rate of degradation of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids by three strains of Bacillus were determined individually and in consortium. Comparison of the degradation rates in consortia with single substrate rates revealed that in consortia there is a synergistic effect on protein and carbohydrate degradation while on lipid the rate decreased with time. In general, the present study shows that bacteria in consortia have higher potential to degrade organic substances present in the environment. More insights on this could lead to formulation of novel bioremediation strategies.