ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF BIOSURFACTANT PRODUCING BACTERIA FROM GARAGE SOIL

Abstract

The increasing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable solutions has led to a growing interest in bio-surfactants due to their biodegradability and low toxicity. This study focuses on the isolation and characterization of bio-surfactant producing bacteria from garage soil. Soil samples were collected from various garages and screened for bio-surfactant production using haemolytic activity and oil displacement tests. Positive isolates were further characterized through biochemical assays. The results revealed the presence of several potent bio-surfactant producing strains, predominantly belonging to the Staphylococcus. These strains exhibited significant emulsification activity and surface tension reduction, highlighting their potential applications in bioremediation and industrial processes. This study underscores the importance of garage soil as a reservoir of bio-surfactant producing bacteria and provides a foundation for future research on their industrial exploitation.