ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF BACTERIA FROM SOIL SAMPLES OF FUEL STATION

  • Unique Paper ID: 164976
  • Volume: 11
  • Issue: 1
  • PageNo: 135-140
  • Abstract:
  • The study aimed to identify and isolate bacteria capable of breaking down hydrocarbons found in petrol-contaminated soil. To do this, an enrichment culture method and serial dilution techniques were used to isolate the bacteria. Selective media containing hydrocarbons was used to culture the bacteria, which were then placed on Petri plates and incubated for 24 hours. After this, the bacteria were sub-cultured on agar slants to maintain pure cultures. Gram staining was used to identify gram-positive bacteria, which were observed as purple and rod-shaped. During the study, different bacteria colonies were observed, with varying colours, shapes, and sizes. This indicated the presence of various bacterial species. These bacterial isolates underwent different biochemical tests such as the catalase test to determine the presence of a catalyst enzyme and the methyl red test to assess the capacity of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria to metabolize. A positive result from the methyl red test indicated the presence of glucose fermentation pathways. On the other hand, a negative result suggested the presence of alternative metabolic pathways or the inability of the bacteria to ferment glucose. The study's primary objective was to provide valuable insights into the metabolic processes of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria. The study investigates the potential of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria to restore the environment through bioremediation. The indole test determines if bacteria can produce indole, a byproduct of tryptophan metabolism. The Voges-Proskauer test detects the production of acetoin during glucose fermentation. The study also evaluates the bacterial viability at different temperatures, revealing an optimum growth temperature range of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria within the mesophilic range (20-40°C). Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed on hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria using three antibiotics: erythromycin, azithromycin, and rifampicin. The results showed that the sensitivity of the tested bacterial isolates varied.

Cite This Article

  • ISSN: 2349-6002
  • Volume: 11
  • Issue: 1
  • PageNo: 135-140

ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF BACTERIA FROM SOIL SAMPLES OF FUEL STATION

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