Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Background/objectives: Mangroves are one of the most diverse ecosystems on the earth and harbours many organisms, including extremophiles which help the ecosystem to grow and survive despite harsh environment. These microbes produce novel enzymes as well as secondary metabolites that find major applications in extreme environments. Methodology: In this study, total 56 bacteria were isolated from rhizospheric soil of mangrove collected from seven sampling sites of Gujarat, India i.e. Kandla, Mundra, Tuna, Guneri, Machhad, Diu, and Madhwad. These isolates were screened for their production of extracellular hydrolytic enzymes i.e. amylase, protease, cellulase, and catalase. All the isolates were also assessed for their ability to survive in different salt concentration ranging from 0.5% to 25% in Zobell marine agar. Findings: After 48 h of incubation, isolates K10–2(11)ZO and M100(5)NASW had the highest amylase activity, K100(1)NASW had the highest cellulase activity, and G10–2(9)ZO had the highest protease activity. Among all sites, Madhwad had the highest catalase positives. Three isolates named as MD10–2C3, MW10–3C2, and MWC4 emerged as possible extreme halotolerant and were able to grow at 25% of salt concentration while Diu10–4C1, MW10–3, and G10–1(5) ZO were also possible halotolerant and were able grow in till 20% of salt concentration. Application/ improvements: Few isolates that had showed higher extracellular enzyme activity and could be potential high producers that can be used in industries such as detergent industry, textile industries, environmental remediation, etc.
Keywords: Mangroves, Enzymes, Cellulase, Amylase, Protease, Extreme Halotolerant