Biodegradation of hydrocarbons by halophilic bacteria isolated from the saltpans of Thoothukudi district, India

R K Deepalaxmi ,Chava Gayathri

doi:10.21608/nrmj.2019.28111

R K Deepalaxmi , Chava Gayathri

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.21608/nrmj.2019.28111

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Abstract

Many halophilic microorganisms have evolved unique properties of a considerable biotechnological importance. In this study, two halophilic bacteria were isolated from the solar saltpans of the Thoothukudi district, located in Tamil Nadu, India, and were investigated for their hydrocarbon degrading abilities. These isolates were assigned names as GD30 and DM27; and then were subjected to morphological and molecular characterization, finally identified as Oceanobacillus oncorhynchi and Pseudomonas stutzeri, respectively. Among both isolates, DM27 specifically showed maximum growth and degradation activity of hydrocarbons (i.e. diesel and naphthalene). This hydrocarbon degrading ability was assayed by using 2, 6-dichlorophenol-indophenol (DCPIP) as an indicator. Our overall results demonstrated the potentiality of both halophilic bacterial isolates (Oceanobacillus oncorhynchi and Pseudomonas stutzeri), for biodegradation of hydrocarbons in contaminated saline soil.

Highlights

Hydrocarbons are introduced into our environment through their extensive use as fuels and chemicals; as well as through leaks or accidental spills during exploration, production, refining, or transportation
The selected white colored colony was named as GD30, whereas, the reddish brown colony was named as DM27
Results of Gram staining showed that isolate GD30 was a Gram positive rod shaped bacteria; on the other hand, isolate DM27 was a Gram negative rod shaped one

Summary

Introduction

Hydrocarbons are introduced into our environment through their extensive use as fuels and chemicals; as well as through leaks or accidental spills during exploration, production, refining, or transportation. Poisoning due to hydrocarbons such as benzene and petroleum usually occurs accidently by inhalation or ingestion of these cytotoxic chemical compounds. These compounds are degraded by enzyme system of microorganisms that utilize hydrocarbons as sole sources of carbon and energy. Laxmi and Gayathri, 2019 wide range of temperatures; the rate of biodegradation generally decreases with decreasing temperature. This effect of temperature was complicated by other factors such as the composition of the microbial population (Zhu et al, 2001)

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