Biofouling activity of vibrio spp isolated from power plant pipes

Totally ten bacterial isolates were obtained and screened for biofouling activity. Two isolates DPR1 and DPB1 showed significant biofouling activity in the tube method and microtitre plate assay. These two isolates showed similarity with Vibrio sp. on morphological, biochemical and molecular characteristics. The 16S rDNA sequence of the one bacterial isolate was performed and identified as Vibrio sp. DPR1 using Phylogenetic analysis. The 16S rDNA secondary structure and restriction sites of Vibrio sp. DPR1 were also studied. This investigation clearly revealed the presence of biofouling bacteria anchored in the thermal power plant pipe. In vitro biofouling activity was evaluated in different substrate such as stone, glass, metal sheet and pipe. Among substrate the maximum biofouling was in stone followed by glass, metal sheet and pipe. Bacterial EPS production was evaluated using different carbon, nitrogen and phosphate source. Among the various nutrition, sucrose, ammonium sulphate and K2HPO4 specifically the maximum EPS production under in vitro condition.