A Potential of a Malaysia Strain, Rhodococcus Ukmp-5m as a Biocatalyst in Bioremediation of Nitrile

The chemical industry, such as the production of polymers, fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals, represent one of the biggest economic worldwide. This chemical industry usually produces unwanted by-products or releases the toxic or hazardous waste. To overcome these problems, numerous technologies were introduced, including biocatalysis, biotransformation, bioremediation and biodegradation which are associated with green chemistry. There are a number of microorganism involve in bioremediation of pollutants. One Malaysian isolate, Rhodococcus UKMP-5M was chosen to evaluate its potential as biocatalyst in biotransformation of nitrile. The growth of the cells was optimized and the reaction conditions in three systems were enhanced to improvise the conversion of nitrile. The application of the optimum strain in these three conditions showed promising results. It was then proven by the employment of the procedures in the real sample of nitrile-containing industrial wastewater, as a proof of concept. Therefore, it can be concluded, the purpose to establish a Malaysia isolate, Rhodococcus UKMP-5M as one of the potential industrial biocatalysts in bioremediation process has been achieved.