Selection and characterization of potential bacteria for polycyclic aromatic biodegradation of hydrocarbons in sea sponges from Spermonde Islands, Indonesia

Some mucous substances that cover the sponge body surface are related to the degradation ability of symbiotic bacteria of poly aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). This study aims to demonstrate the above statement through a morphological, phenotypical, and genotypic investigation of the bacterial symbionts. The following tracing methods were used in this study: morphological analysis, phenotype analysis (Gram staining and biochemical tests), microsymbiont genotyping using PCR (Polymerase chain reaction), and growth test activity of symbiont isolates on PAH contaminated solid and liquid media (anthracene, pyrene and mix 16 PAH ASTM standard). Three types of sponge symbiont isolate, Pseudomonas stutzeri RCH2, Bacillus licheniformis ATCC9789, and Bacillus sp. AB353 partially showed growth activity on both types of test media (solid and liquid media), whereas Acinotobacter calcoaceticus PHKDB14 showed no growth activity. These results indicate that there are morphological, Gram grouping, phenotypic characteristics, and bacterial symbiont genotypes correlation with PAH degradation ability.