In Vitro and In Silico Analysis of the Gut Microbiome of Zebrafish for Bioremediation Approach of Zinc-Contaminated Aquatic Environments

Abstract

The discovery of bacterial organisms that aid in heavy metal bioremediation opens up new possibilities for removing radioactive compounds and heavy metals from polluted water sources. Accordingly, this study aims to the identification of Zinc resistant bacteria from the gut microbiome of zebrafish and to evaluate its bioremediation capability. The isolates, namely FG01 (Enterobacter cloacae), FG02 (Citrobacter freundii), and FG03 (Aeromonas hydrophila) identified based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing resistant to Zinc and antibiotics like Ampicillin and Amoxicillin and also selected for bioaccumulation studies. The MTC values of the three zinc-resistant bacteria from the Zebrafish gut were evaluated, and the results revealed that the growth of the isolate FG02 was better than the others, while the growth of FGO3 and FG01 decreased at the concentrations of 10 ppm and 15 ppm. By docking studies, the Zinc binding proteins (ZBPs) were discovered and beta-lactamase showed the best binding affinity compared to the other protein. In the process of treating wastewater, zinc-resistant bacteria from the gut microbiome of zebrafish are normally present and can demonstrate their capacity to adsorb heavy metals. The ZBP can be used later as a novel absorbent for heavy metal removal technology.