Isolation and Macroscopic Characterization of Molase and Bacteria from Acanthus sp. Mangrove Sediments

Abstract

Acanthus sp. grows in mangrove sediments with a muddy texture that contains nutrients, allowing specific bacteria to thrive. This study aims to isolate and characterize bacteria from mangrove sediment (Acanthus sp.) cultured in media with added molasses. Bacteria were cultivated on solid molasses media I and II. The planting process began with the sediment sample being dissolved in distilled water for 30 minutes before undergoing sixfold dilution. Subsequently, the samples were planted on molasses media I and II with different compositions. The planting was carried out using the spread plate method, where 100µL of the final three dilutions was added. The bacteria were then incubated until bacterial colonies that could use molasses as a carbon source for their metabolism grew. Molasses is a residual substance from sugar production in sugarcane plants, which still contains fermentable sugars optimally utilized by bacteria for metabolic processes. The results of bacterial cultivation revealed differences in growth diversity, with media II exhibiting greater diversity than media I. Bacterial diversity was observed using macroscopic identification methods, focusing on the colony's appearance. This suggests that the composition of media II is more suitable for bacterial growth.