Cell immobilization technique for the enhanced removal of lindane using Streptomyces strains isolated from Northwestern Argentina

Abstract

Lindane (γ-HCH) is an organochlorine insecticide which has a negative effect as a pollutant agent of soil, water and sediments. Nowadays it has been banned in almost all countries of the world, but its residues still remain in the environment. In this context, bioremediation, involving the use of microorganisms to degrade environmental contaminants, has received much attention as an effective biotechnological approach to clean up this kind of pollutants. Moreover, cell immobilization has been shown to present diverse advantages over conventional systems using free cells, such as the possibility of employing higher cell density, easier separation of cells from the system, repeated use of cells and better protection of cells from harsh environments. Thereby, this chapter compiles information about: 1) the advantages and limitations of the use of immobilized cells, 2) the comparison between free or immobilized cells for lindane removal by single cultures of actinobacteria, isolated from polluted environments in the northwest of Argentina, and 3) lindane removal by free and immobilized consortia of Streptomyces spp.