Researchers from CHRIST University (Bengaluru, India) have uncovered a remarkable dual-function microbial solution that both cleans detergent-polluted graywater and enhances plant health.
In their 2025 paper in Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, the team isolated three bacterial strains — Pseudomonas putida MSK86, Klebsiella pneumoniae NET12, and Enterobacter sp. MSK86 — capable of breaking down sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), a common detergent pollutant. Among these, Enterobacter sp. MSK86 showed the highest degradation efficiency, removing 84.8% of SDS within six days.
The scientists went further by applying these bacteria to laundry graywater, which was then used to irrigate chili (Capsicum annuum) seedlings. Plants irrigated with the treated water showed marked improvements in carbohydrates, proteins, chlorophyll, and proline content compared with controls.
This study highlights a sustainable circular approach—reusing household wastewater through microbial treatment not only mitigates detergent pollution but also reduces chemical fertilizer dependency. The authors propose that such SDS-degrading, plant growth-promoting bacteria could play a vital role in eco-friendly agriculture and water conservation initiatives.
Reference
Koshy, M., & Joseph, B. V. (2025). Deciphering the plant growth-promoting traits of bacteria capable of sodium dodecyl sulfate removal from graywater: a sustainable approach for water reuse for irrigation. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, 118(11), 175. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10482-025-02187-5
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