Evaluation of Paint and Heavy Metal Degrading Microorganism Found in Paint Scrap

Abstract Paints are widely used for surface protection and embellishment. Its chemical constituents, such as heavy metals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pose significant risks to the environment and health. In this study, we evaluated the capability of the microbial isolates to bioremediate paint waste and its heavy metals such as lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg). Samples of paint taken from the paint-scrape sites were screened for paint degrading microorganisms including Pseudomonas spp. Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus flavus. The assessment of degradation efficiency was performed with spectrophotometry and weight reduction methods, and the results confirmed the strong activity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa as well as F1, F2Br and F1B, which are fungal isolates. Results showed that microbial isolates did not only degrade paint but also showed significant tolerance for heavy metals, and in most test conditions, significantly reduced Pb and Hg concentrations. The present study highlights the potential of microbial consortia for bioremediation, which can be used to manage paint waste and heavy metal contamination in an environmentally friendly manner.