Isolation and characterization of hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM)-degrading bacteria from wetlands

The main objective of this project is isolate and characterize bacteria from wetlands that are able to degrade partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM). Samples will be collected from Nimr Water Treatment Plant (NWTP) operated by BAUER Nimr LLC. Bacteria will be enriched and isolated on medium containing 1% HPAM. Obtained isolated will be sequenced using 16S rRNA and checked for their ability to degrade HPAM. The degradation will be followed using HPLC and the end product will be checked. The use of HPAM as a carbon and as a nitrogen source will be studied and the environmental conditions that favour their use will be investigated. We will also attempt revealing the degradation pathway and the enzymes involved in the degradation process. The outcome of this research will be communicated with oil companies in order to help them optimize their water treatment plant for best bioremediation performance and to get rid of the polymer and minimize its effect.