Isolation of Magnetotactic Bacteria From Freshwater Sources Of Goa

Ashlyn Erica Rodrigues

Isolation of Magnetotactic Bacteria From Freshwater Sources Of Goa

Author(s)	Ms. Ashlyn Erica Rodrigues
Country	India
Abstract	This study focused on the isolation and characterization of magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) from freshwater sources in Goa. Samples were collected in sterile 1L plastic containers, pre-treated with 70% alcohol and sterile distilled water, and transported in biohazard bags. Water and sediment were collected in a 1:3 ratio and incubated undisturbed for two months at 25°C with a slightly loosened lid to promote microaerophilic conditions. The formation of a blackish layer indicated low oxygen levels. Enrichment involved placing the containers under the influence of magnets. Aliquots from both poles were collected and subjected to CRT purification using a Pasteur pipette and a bar magnet to isolate MTB by attracting them to the pipette tip. This process lasted 30 minutes, after which the pipette tip was broken off, and the aliquot was collected with a sterile needle and syringe for inoculation onto Flies Media. Isolates grown on the media exhibited varied morphologies and characteristics. Their motility and magnetotaxis were confirmed using the hanging drop method with a magnet placed at the edge of the drop. Gram staining and the KOH string test determined the Gram-positive/negative nature of the bacteria. The Hugh-Leifson test and Thioglycollate Broth Test identified their microaerophilic respiratory nature. All isolates showed nitrate reduction. Further analysis revealed that 4 out of 6 tested isolates formed capsules. Siderophore production was observed in 5 isolates, indicated by a yellow halo. Exopolysaccharides (EPS) were produced by 4 isolates. Scanning Electron Microscopy confirmed rod-shaped morphology and revealed internal magnetosomes. XRD analysis identified perovskite as the elemental structure of the magnetosome. The study highlights the largely unexplored potential of magnetotactic bacteria beyond their known bioremediation capabilities for sequestering organic pollutants, suggesting numerous avenues for future research and exploitation.
Keywords	Magnetotoactic bacteria, freshwater, Goa, bioremediation, siderophores
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 3, May-June 2026
Published On	2026-05-18

View / Download PDF File

E-ISSN 2582-2160

doi

CrossRef DOI is assigned to each research paper published in our journal.

IJFMR DOI prefix is
10.36948/ijfmr

Downloads

Research Paper Format Copyright Permission Form and Undertaking Form Cover Page Vol 8 Isu 3 Cover Page Vol 8 Isu 2 Cover Page Vol 8 Isu 2

All research papers published on this website are licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, and all rights belong to their respective authors/researchers.

CC-BY-SA

About IJFMR Fees & Payment Current Issue Publication Archive	Submit Research Paper Track Submission Status Publication Guidelines Publication Ethics Peer Review & Plagiarism	Join as a Reviewer Editors & Reviewers Reviewer Referral Program Get Reviewer Membership Certi.	Website/Journal Policies Usage Policy Content Policies Privacy Policy

Contact Us		+91-9687-828-838	editor@ijfmr.com

International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal

Isolation of Magnetotactic Bacteria From Freshwater Sources Of Goa

Share this