The Potency of Bacilus sp as Particle-associating Bacteria in Laboratory Condition

Abstract

The aim of this study was to know the potency of  Bacillus sp in colonizing artificial particles in laboratory condition. Study of  particle –associating  capacity of Bacillus  sp  by using artificial-sphare agar as particle and transprant  exopolimeric  particles (TEP) produced by Thalassiosira  weisfloggii as well as flocculating activity. The results of this study showed that Bacillus sp were able to associate both artificial agar spheres and transparent exopolimeric  substances (TEP) as well as high flocculating activity  produced by phytoplankton, T. weissfloggii. The mean number of Bacillus sp in colonizing artificial agar spheres increasing with incubation time  was 3,50 x 10⁵ cells/agar spheres and Transprant expolimeric particles, 2.9 x 10⁸cells/mL;  and flocculating activity, 92 % after four days incubation. In conclusion that Bacillus sp has a high potential as particle-associating bacteria used in intensive  shrimp farming system. Keywords: Particle–associating bacteria, Thalassiosira weisfloggii, Bacillus sp, Phytoplankton