BIOFILM FORMATION AND CALCIUM PRECIPITATION IN BACILLUS LICHENIFORMIS AND ALCALIGENES FAECALIS FOR SOIL IMPROVEMENT

Abstract

Calcium precipitation and biofilm formation in halophilic bacteria were investigated in the current study. The strain SMK (Bacillus licheniformis) was isolated from plant rhizosphere and and AQ-1 (Alcaligenes faecalis) from marble crushing soil in Lahore. Bacterial growth, biofilm formation and CaCO3 precipitation of both strains was determined under varying stress (pH, temperature, agitation and salinity). Soil aggregation was investigated under salt stress (NaCl and MgSO4). Results showed that pH 8.0, temperature 42°C, 1.5 M salt (NaCl and MgSO4) stress without agitation was favorable for biofilm formation. Both strains were able to precipitate CaCO3 in media specially at margins of colonies in AQ-1. Effervescence of crystals with addition of concentrated HCl showed confirmatory results. Stereomicroscopic analysis of aggregates in inoculated soil and sand showed precipitation under salt stress. SMK (Bacillus licheniformis) showed high aggregation in soil. From the results, it was concluded that these indigenous strains have potential for sustainable agriculture by improving disturbed soil.