Alkaliphilic and haloalkaliphilic phosphate solubilizing bacteria from coastal ecosystems of Goa

Abstract

The occurrence of alkaliphilic bacteria was studied in samples collected from diverse marine and coastal ecosystems of Goa representing different mangrove, khazan, sand dune and saltpan niches. Highest count of 2.6 x 107cfu/g of alkaliphiles were reported from Cavelossimkhazan sediment sample on polypeptone yeast extract glucose agar. One forty one predominant alkaliphilic bacteria were selected and screened for inorganic and organic phosphate solubilization. Forty three alkaliphilic isolates were found to be inorganic phosphate solubilizers and 27 were organic phosphate solubilizers. Two potential phosphate solubilizing isolates, FA7 and WA3 were selected for identification. Alkaliphilic isolate FA7 was identified as Bacillus marisflavi obtained from mangrove Merces and haloalkaiphilic isolate WA3 identified as Chromohalobacter israelensis was isolated from Batim salt pan. The solubilization of phosphate at high pH of 10.0 by Bacillus marisflavi FA7 and at high pH and salt concentration by Chromohalobacter israelensis WA3 is reported for the first time.