Evaluating the Potential of Neem Leaf Extract To Treat Antibiotic Resistant Bacterial Strains in Wastewater of Selected Wetlands of Islamabad.

Abstract

An increasing environmental and public health problem is the proliferation of microorganisms resistant to antibiotics in natural water bodies. Untreated or inadequately treated wastewater is progressively contaminating wetlands, particularly those close to institutional and urban areas. Wetlands close to educational and research facilities in Islamabad may serve as reservoirs for these resistant bacteria. The antibacterial qualities of natural substitutes like neem (Azadirachta indica) are being investigated as long-term therapeutic options. The purpose of this study is to determine how well neem leaf extract treats bacterial strains that are resistant to antibiotics that are present in wastewater from particular wetlands in Islamabad. During the pre- and post-rainy seasons, samples were taken from wetlands at NUST, Quaid-i-Azam University, and NARC. Both before and after treatment, water samples were examined. Standard disc diffusion techniques were used to isolate bacterial strains and test them for antibiotic resistance. The resistant strains were treated with the methanol-based extract made from powdered, shade-dried neem leaves. Inhibition zones and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were used to evaluate antimicrobial activity. The highest MIC reported is 2.0 mm, which has an antibiotic concentration of zero. It is important to note that although zero contemplated antibiotic concentration is present, it is still an inhibition that is measured but greater in the MIC value. The lowest MIC value is 0.0 mm which corresponds to 30 as the greatest antibiotic concentration showing that at 30, the antibiotic is strongly effective at inhibiting microbial growth to the point that there is no measurable zone of inhibition. The findings indicated that pre-rainy season samples had a significant percentage of resistant bacteria. Samples taken after treatment revealed a marked decrease in the bacterial load. Neem's efficacy and bacterial prevalence were affected by seasonal fluctuations. To sum up, neem leaf extract shows promise as a natural remedy for wastewater bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. To scale up this strategy for wider environmental use, more research is advised.