ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF HEAVY METAL RESISTANT AND PLANT GROWTH PROMOTING STAPHYLOCOCCUS SP. FROM FLY ASH DUMP SITE.

One of the largest known environmental pollutant, Fly ash (FA) is a byproduct of coal combustion. Fly ash dykes remain home to many microorganisms which are capable of heavy metal resistance. Due to the presence of some toxic heavy metals, like As, Cr, Zn & Pb etc. fly ash remains unused to quite an extent and its disposal remains a debatable issue. The present study is aimed at identifying some bacteria which have various heavy metal resistant and antibiotic resistant property as well as their potential in plant growth promotion. Biochemical and molecular characterization have identified the isolates belonging to Staphylococcus sp. Different plant growth promoting activities such as Ammonia production, IAA, Organic acid production and Phosphate solubilizing ability have identified the role of these bacteria in plant growth promotion. Thus, these isolates can prove to be desirable candidates in bioremediation of toxic fly ash into a soil ameliorant which can be beneficial in promoting agro-forestry.