In this study, a multifaceted approach for selecting the suitable candidates for
bioaugmentation of activated sludge (AS) that supports leachate treatment was used. To determine
the exploitation of 10 bacterial strains isolated from the various matrices for inoculating the AS
contaminated with the Kalina pond leachate (KPL), their degradative potential was analyzed along
with their aptitude to synthesize compounds improving remediation of pollutants in wastewater and
ability to incorporate into the AS flocs. Based on their capability to degrade aromatic compounds
(primarily catechol, phenol, and cresols) at a concentration of 1 mg/mL and survive in 12.5% of
the KPL, Pseudomonas putida OR45a and P. putida KB3 can be considered to be the best candidates
for bioaugmentation of the AS among all of the bacteria tested. Genomic analyses of these two
strains revealed the presence of the genes encoding enzymes related to the metabolism of aromatic
compounds. Additionally, both microorganisms exhibited a high hydrophobic propensity (above 50%)
and an ability to produce biosurfactants as well as high resistance to ammonium (above 600 g/mL)
and heavy metals (especially chromium). These properties enable the exploitation of both bacterial
strains in the bioremediation of the AS contaminated with the KPL
