Effect of cadmium, cipper, zinc and lead on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of the heavy metals on bacteria of Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram-negative). In this study cadmium, copper, zinc and lead were used as heavy metals to study minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) produced for each bacteria strain. The introduction of heavy metals, in various forms, in the environment, can produce considerable modifications of the microbial communities and their activities. In order to determine their activities, heavy metals were used to study the effect on bacteria growth. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) produced by heavy metal for each bacteria strain was determined. In this study two method were used which is Optical Density Test and Disk Diffusion Test.