Exploring Biodiversity: Sampling, Analysis, and Identification of Microbial Treasures in Diverse Soil Ecosystems

Abstract

In the present study, bacterial colonies in Cashew Oil Industry Soil (COS), Fertilizer-applied Field Soil (FFS) and Control samples were enumerated and characterized across varying dilution factors. The results revealed significant variations in bacterial colony formation across dilution factors, indicating diverse growth rates and population densities. The investigation aimed to discern the microbial populations and characteristics in these contrasting samples. COS and FFS exhibited dilution-dependent colony counts, showcasing distinctions in bacterial populations compared to Control samples. Morphological analysis revealed diverse colony sizes, shapes, and colours, ranging from small to medium, with hues spanning yellow to orange. Margins, elevations, and opacities varied, and Gram staining indicated both positive and negative strains and Gram-positive cocci and diplococci, were identified illustrating taxonomic diversity. Biochemical tests unveiled diverse metabolic traits, identifying Cellobiosococcus sp. and Staphylococcus sp. at the genus level in COS and Micrococcus sp. in FFS. Given that these three bacterial strains were isolated from contaminated soil and considering the prior use of Micrococcus sp. and Staphylococcus sp. in remediation efforts, our upcoming research will specifically concentrate on exploring the bioremediation potential of pollutants using Micrococcus sp., Cellobiosococcus sp., and Staphylococcus sp., with particular emphasis on the unique capabilities of Cellobiosococcus sp as there are nostudies related to Cellobiosococcus sp. involved in bioremediation.