Novel Haloalkaliphilic Nitrile‐Degrading Bacteria From Soda Lake Soil of Rift Valley Kenya

Researchers have identified novel haloalkaliphilic bacteria from the soda lakes of Kenya's Great Rift Valley, capable of producing nitrilase and nitrile hydratase enzymes that degrade nitriles into environmentally safe carboxylic acids, ammonia, and amides. These bacteria, including species like Bacillus agaradhaerens and Nesterenkonia alba, thrive in extreme conditions (pH 8.0–9.0, 5% salt, 28°C–40°C) and exhibit optimal enzyme activity at pH 7.0–7.5. The study employed enrichment, isolation, colorimetric assays, and molecular characterization to isolate 14 bacterial strains with nitrile-degrading potential. This discovery offers a sustainable solution for environmental remediation and green industry applications, advancing biocatalyst research in organic synthesis and biotechnology.

Akinyi, M. D., Mwirichia, R., Mugweru, J., & Kimani, N. M. (2025). Novel Haloalkaliphilic Nitrile‐Degrading Bacteria From Soda Lake Soil of Rift Valley Kenya. The Scientific World Journal, 2025(1). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1155/tswj/3126129