INVESTIGATIONS OF MICROBIAL ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE PRODUCTION FROM FIELD SOILS OF NORTH GUJARAT REGION, INDIA

Abstract

Biodiversity of Alkaline phosphatase producing microbes from field soil samples from GSFC farm, Bhilot, Patan District, North Gujarat region was found to be represented by 35 microbes, isolated through enrichment. High alkaline phosphatase producers were screened on Methyl Green dye and Phenolphthalein diphosphate supplemented MG-PDP / Modified Dermatophyte test agar (MDTA) media. Primary characterization of the isolates was carried out. 22 bacteria and 6 fungi produced alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The best four ALP producing bacteria were further characterized by morphological-biochemical tests. All the four bacteria produced several other hydrolytic enzymes. ALP production was significant in the alkaline pH range. ALP production was induced by organophosphorous insecticide Acephate in all the four isolates but maximum in Bacillus sp. SF15 which can mineralize xenobiotic environmental contaminants like organophosphate.