Unveiling the Multifaceted Abilities of Halotolerant Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria Isolated from the Kutch Desert Ecosystem

Author: Anurag Yadav, Rahulkumar Chauhan, Kavin Soni and Kusum Yadav

Download PDF

Abstract

The study explored and characterized the functionalities of halotolerant phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) isolated from soils of various locations in the Kutch desert. The isolates were screened for phosphate and zinc solubilization, and their growth patterns were analyzed under different NaCl concentrations. The three screened isolates—PH27, PH28, and PH30—were characterized biochemically and identified as Enterobacter bugandensis PH27, Psychrobacter faecalis PH28, and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens PH30 through 16S rRNA sequencing. While the study is comprehensive, it inherently faces several challenges. The complexity of microbial enzymology and the interactions between environmental variables and microbial functionality pose challenges in data interpretation. A temporal growth analysis of isolates revealed phosphorus solubilization capabilities and pH modulation in Pikovskaya’s broth cultures. Enzymatic activities of acid and alkaline phosphatases revealed unique profiles for each isolate. PH27 and PH28 excelled in phosphate solubilization and medium acidification, while PH30 showed significant pH alteration despite lower phosphorus solubilization. The study makes several pivotal contributions to the field. Firstly, it adds to the existing body of knowledge by identifying and characterizing three unique halotolerant PSB isolates, thereby enriching our understanding of microbial diversity in saline environments. Secondly, it provides valuable insights into their phosphorus and zinc solubilizing capabilities, which affect nutrient cycling in soil ecosystems. Thirdly, the study explores the enzymatic activities of these isolates, laying the groundwork for future research in microbial enzymology. Lastly, the study examines the rate of phosphate solubilization and its corresponding impact on pH levels, offering targeted insights with broader environmental implications.

Keywords

Phosphate solubilizing bacteria, halotolerant bacteria, phosphatase, phosphorous bioavailability

Conclusion

The study comprehensively examined halotolerant PSB isolates, PH27, PH28, and PH30, across multiple dimensions, which include phosphate solubilization, halotolerance, enzymatic activities, and molecular identification. The research biochemically, physiologically and molecularly characterized the isolates using various methodologies, from screening assays to 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The isolates demonstrated distinct phosphate and zinc solubilization capabilities, with PH27 and PH28 showing superior phosphorus solubilization abilities. Halotolerance profiles were also elucidated, revealing a complex relationship between NaCl concentration and bacterial growth. Enzymatic assays further indicated unique acid and alkaline phosphatase activities among the isolates, highlighting their metabolic versatility. Molecular characterization identified the isolates as Enterobacter bugandensis (PH27), Psychrobacter faecalis (PH28), and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (PH30), providing a taxonomic framework for future research. The study also found intriguing patterns in pH modulation and phosphorus solubilization, particularly with PH30, which exhibited significant medium acidification despite lower phosphorus solubilization efficiency. Overall, the study contributes to the existing knowledge on PSBs and opens up new avenues for future research. It lays a robust foundation for understanding the complex interplay between halotolerance, phosphorus solubilization, and enzymatic activities in PSBs, offering valuable insights into microbial contributions to nutrient cycling in saline environments.

References

-

How to cite this article

Anurag Yadav, Rahulkumar Chauhan, Kavin Soni and Kusum Yadav (2023). Unveiling the Multifaceted Abilities of Halotolerant Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria Isolated from the Kutch Desert Ecosystem. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(9): 476-484.