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In the present study, artificial neural network (ANN) modelling coupled with particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm was used to optimize the process variables for enhanced low density polyethylene (LDPE) degradation by Curvularia lunata SG1. In the non-linear ANN model, temperature, pH, contact time and agitation were used as input variables and polyethylene bio-degradation as the output variable. Further, on application of PSO to the ANN model, the optimum values of the process parameters were as follows: pH = 7.6, temperature = 37.97°C, agitation rate = 190.48 rpm and incubation time = 261.95 days. A comparison between the model results and experimental data gave a high correlation coefficient (R 2 ANN ¼ 0:999). Significant enhancement of LDPE bio-degradation using C. lunata SG1by about 48 % was achieved under optimum conditions. Thus, the novelty of the work lies in the application of combination of ANN-PSO as optimization strategy to enhance the bio-degradation of LDPE.Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article

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Aim The aim of the study is to investigate the efficiency of Geotrichum candidum in the decolourization and mineralization of synthetic azo dyes. Methods and Results It includes screening of enzymes from G. candidum and its optimization, followed by decolourization and mineralization studies. Decolourization was observed to be maximum in methyl orange (94·6%) followed by Congo red (85%), trypan blue (70·4%) and Eriochrome Black T (55·6%) in 48 h, suggesting the plausible degradation of the azo dyes by G. candidum. The enzyme activity study showed that DyP‐type peroxidase has highest activity of 900 mU ml−1 compared to that of laccase (405 mU ml−1) and lignin peroxidase (LiP) (324 mU ml−1) at optimized pH (6) and temperature (35°C). Moreover, the rate of decolourization was found to be directly proportional to the production of laccase and LiP, unlike DyP‐type peroxidase. Furthermore, mineralization study demonstrated reduction in aromatic amines, showing 20% mineralization of methyl orange. Conclusion Geotrichum candidum with its enzyme system is able to efficiently decolourize and mineralize the experimental azo dyes. Significance and Impact of the Study The efficient decolourization and mineralization of azo dyes makes G. candidum a promising alternative in the treatment of textile effluent contaminated with azo dyes.

Background:Amylases play a vital role in biotechnological studies and rank an important position in the world enzyme market (25% to 33%). Bioprocess method of amylase production is more effective than the other sources, since the technique is easy, cost effective, fast, and the enzymes of required properties can be procured.Objectives:The current study aimed to report the characteristics of novel amylase producing bacterial strains isolated from Taptapani hot spring, Odisha, India.Materials and Methods:Bacterial strains were isolated by dilution plating method from the water samples collected from Taptapani Hot Spring, Odisha and screened for amylase production through starch hydrolysis. The bacterial isolates were identified morphologically, biochemically, and finally by 16S rDNA profiling.Results:Based on the morphological, physiological, biochemical characteristics and the molecular characterization, the isolates SS1, SS2, and SS3 were identified as Bacillus barbaricus, Aeromonas veroni, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, respectively. The approximate molecular weight of enzymes from SS1, SS2, and SS3 strains were 19 kDa, 56 kDa and 49 kDa, respectively.Conclusions:The current report isolates, characterizes, and demonstrates the novel heat-adapted amylase-producing bacteria SS1, SS2 and SS3 from Taptapani hot spring, indicating its potentiality and stability under acidic conditions.