A Study Of The Pathogenic Naphthalene Degrading Bacteria and also using herbal alternatives as a moth repellants

Microbiology, a branch of biological science that deals with the study of microorganisms, has found applications in both fundamental and applied researches. Bacteria are microscopic unicellular prokaryotic organisms. These organisms make use of a variety of nutrients for their growth, but mainly require the presence of some carbon source for their existence. This includes all kinds of carbohydrates, such as sucrose, dextrose, etc. but they are also known to make use of other carbon compounds.

Naphthalene is a white solid that evaporates easily. It is also called mothballs, moth flakes, white tar, and tar camphor. The major products made from naphthalene are moth repellents, in the form of mothballs or crystals, and toilet deodorant blocks.

Studies have concluded that naphthalene moth balls is harmful to humans as they have known to cause severe allergic conditions as well as some disease conditions. Hemolytic anemia (a condition involving the breakdown of red blood cells) is the primary health concern for humans exposed to naphthalene for either short or long periods of time. Other effects commonly found include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, kidney damage, jaundice (yellowish skin or eyes) and liver damage. These effects can occur from either breathing or eating naphthalene. Cataracts (cloudy spots) might also occur in the eyes of persons who eat or breathe naphthalene. There have been several medical reports showing that babies dressed in clothing that had been stored in naphthalene mothballs developed liver problems and hemolytic anemia which could also lead to coma.

In our study, we have isolated those strains of bacteria possessing the quality to use naphthalene as a carbon source. Firstly, samples were collected from the cupboards of residential houses and the sample was enriched using broths. Then these samples were grown on a naphthalene-enriched media and the culture was left for 24 hours for incubation. After which pure cultures and blood agar culturing for checking of pathogenicity was done and the results were screened and recorded.

The results were a high concentration of pathogenic microflora and these were now screened to cause a variety of symptoms in humans. A solution should be made for the hindrance of the growth of these bacteria. Herbs like tulsi, garlic, ginger and others have known to posses anti-microbial qualities since ages. We intend to make a extract of the remedial plant under study and also finally help the normal people to find out their own solution by using simple household methods and hence ensuring good health.