Assessment of physicochemical factors and partial screening of the biosurfactant producing bacteria in marine water of Kerala

Abstract

This research examined the physico-chemical characteristics and cultivable bacterial diversity of a marine water samples collected from Chombala of kerala and also assessing the potential for biosurfactant production. The physical parameters indicated (Alkalinity (total), NH₃/NH₄⁺, Ca²⁺, Cl⁻, Dissolved oxygen, Electrical conductivity, Mg²⁺, NO₃⁻, NO₂⁻, pH, PO₄³⁻, Salinity, SiO2, Temperature, TDS, Total hardness & Turbidity. A total of fifteen bacterial strains were isolated, characterized morphologically, biochemically and identified as Bacillus sp. (40%), along with Vibrio sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Halomonas sp., Serratia marcescens, among others. The biosurfactant screening methods employed (Including Drop Collapse, Oil Spread, Atomized Oil Spray, Microplate Assay, Tilting Slide & Emulsification (24h), Hemolytic Assay, CTAB-MB Plate, Hydrocarbon Overlay and Aggregation) revealed that 10 strains (67%) tested positive, predominantly consisting of Bacillus and Pseudomonas species. The oligotrophic and saline environment supported a diverse community of halotolerant bacteria with significant biosurfactant production potential, underscoring implications for bioremediation and aquaculture.