Isolation and Characterization of Micro-organisms found in Lignite Coal in Bharuch Mines of Gujarat

Abstract

Gujarat provides a rich source of high-grade lignite coal accomplishing the fuel needs of the national economy, under Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Ltd. However, the lignite mines in Bharuch district of Gujarat state are reservoirs to a huge microbial diversity, which might be important for various industrial applications. The present study focuses on the isolation and characterization of microorganisms found in the lignite coal from the Bharuch mines of Gujarat. The samples were resuspended in different diluents – water and Phosphate Buffered Saline and cultured on Nutrient Agar. Morphological characterization was done for the isolated strains followed by biochemical characterization for microbial identification. Based on the observations, two species were identified probably as Streptococcus sp. and Staphylococcus sp. on biochemical characterizations. The microbial isolates were further screened for their ability to produce lipase enzyme by qualitative screening tests for lipase production by Phenol Red Olive Oil Agar. All the isolates were tested positive for Lipase enzyme production were subjected to Tween-80 Hydrolysis tests for confirmation. This marks their potential to be studied for development of bioremediation strategies for crude oil contamination in soil or water bodies. This was followed by reviewing the use of such isolates for other applications including antioxidant studies, development of biodegradation strategies, etc.