Isolation and Biochemical Characterization of Extremophiles from Soil Around TARUC Campus and Their Hydrocarbon-Degrading Ability

Lee, Zhe Chi (2016) Isolation and Biochemical Characterization of Extremophiles from Soil Around TARUC Campus and Their Hydrocarbon-Degrading Ability. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University College.

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Abstract

Bacterial domain is said to be the broadest classification category even though many of them remain unidentified. Studies conducted are usually focus on certain bacterial genus due to its unique charactersitics, while others are commonly overlooked. It is essential to learn more about this great kingdom because they often provide valuable health and industrial benefits, which include bioremediation that helps to clean up oil pollution, may it be land or sea. The objectives of this study were to isolate fluorescent bacteria, magnetotactic bacteria and extremophiles like halophiles, acidophiles and alkaliphiles from soil around TARUC, and to screen the isolated strains for their hydrocarbons degrading potential. Soil sample studied was collected randomly from a total of eleven spots around the TARUC main campus. Isolation of bacteria was started with preparation of soil suspension, followed by cultivation under different conditions in order to obtain the mentioned bacteria. Gram staining and multiple biochemical tests were carried out to aid in identification of bacteria. The isolated strains were then tested for their ability in degrading edible oil waste. There were five strains isolated as alkaliphiles, four as halophiles and one acidophile whereas the other two conditions failed to yield any bacteria. Of the ten bacteria isolated, five exhibited positive result for oil degradation. Bacteria 3 showed the highest percentage of oil degradation, which was 72.8107 ± 0.4155%. In conclusion, a total of ten isolated strains were capable of thriving in both normal and extreme conditions while only five were able to degrade oil. According to the experimental data, these five strains may hold the key to solving environmental pollution brought upon by oil and matter of such nature.