Department of Microbiology, Goa University, Taleigao Plateau, Goa 403 206, India
*Corresponding author; E-mail: saroj@yahoo.co.in Tel: 91(832)2451569
Mangrove samples revealed the presence of large number of adherent bacteria compared to free-living forms. Isolates were able to grow on plant polymers, xylan and cellulose. Most of the adhering bacteria were pigmented, while only 25% of the free-living bacteria were pigmented. Among the pigments produced by Pseudomonas and Serratia species, prodigiosin and phenazines were detected and characterized. The adherent isolates showed 1.11 – 13.04% adherence to hexadecane with some showing 90% adherence to plant litter. Two isolates showing highest adherence to plant litter were identified as Staphylococcus.
Adherent bacteria, degradation, free-living bacteria, mangroves, pigments, phenazine, prodigiosin, plant litter, Staphylococcus
