Microbiological Studies on the Decomposition of Chitin in Marine Environment-II

Abstract

The effect of temperature, pH and salinity on the chitinoclastic bacteria isolated at Aburatsubo Inlet were investigated. 1. Of the chitinoclastic bacteria isolated, except Type CH strains (analogous to Beneckea chitinovora), the rest ceased development at 40°C and developed preferentially at 30°C. Exposure to a temperature of 50°C for 30 minutes was needed for any bactericidal effect. It was observed that the chitinoclastic bacteria have strong heat resistance when compared to other marine bacteria. 2. All types of the chitinoclastic bacterial strains tested ceased to grow at pH 4.0 and grew well at pH ranging from 7.0 to 9.0. 3. All types of the chitinoclastic bacterial strains examined grew well in a medium prepared with NaCl ranging from 0.5% to 5.0%. All types of the chitinoclastic bacteria except Type CH strains (analogous to B. indolthetica) could grow with 10% NaCl. All types of the bacterial strains isolated, therefore, were considered to be of marine origin.