Bacillus thuringiensis B1(2015b) is a Gram-Positive Bacteria Able to Degrade Naproxen and Ibuprofen

Abstract

A Gram-positive bacterium, designated as strain B1(2015b), was isolated from the soil of the chemical factory "Organika-Azot" in Jaworzno, Poland. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the isolated strain was classified as a <i>Bacillus thuringiensis</i> species. Strain B1(2015b) is able to degrade ibuprofen and naproxen, however, these compounds are not sufficient carbon sources for this strain. In the presence of glucose, <i>Bacillus thuringiensis</i> B1(2015b) degrades ibuprofen and naproxen with higher efficiency. Twenty milligrams per liter of ibuprofen was degraded within 6 days and 6 mg l^-1 of naproxen was removed within 35 days. Simultaneously, the growth of the bacterial culture was observed. The obtained results suggest that <i>Bacillus thuringiensis</i> B1(2015b) appears to be a powerful and useful tool in the bioremediation of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-contaminated environment.