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The Effect of Bacillus Subtilis on Aqueous Ibuprofen Remediation by Lemna Minor (Common Duckweed)

CSEF · 2026 Environmental Engineering (Senior Division)

Josiah Kay

Overview

This study investigates the effect of Bacillus subtilis, a plant-growth-promoting bacterium, on aqueous ibuprofen remediation by common duckweed (Lemna minor). The purpose of this study was to investigate if plant-growth-promoting bacteria could improve pharmaceutical pollutant remediation in an aquatic environment. Resuspended B. subtilis bacterial cultures were added to experimental flasks containing duckweed in a plant culture media with 1 mg/L ibuprofen and compared with a control that had no bacteria. Remaining ibuprofen concentration and percent removal of ibuprofen in the culture media were determined after the 8 day experiment using High Performance Liquid Chromatography analysis. Across two trial replicates, the treatment system that was co-inoculated with B. subtilis and duckweed removed 16% of the aqueous ibuprofen, compared to the control's 11%. The results indicate that B. subtilis increased aqueous ibuprofen remediation by common duckweed, and that the plant-bacteria interaction is a viable avenue to pursue for the bioremediation of pharmaceutical pollutants in water.

Competition history

  • CSEF 2026 Environmental Engineering (Senior Division) · Entry S-11-37

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