EXPLORING ENZYMATIC POTENTIAL OF AQUATIC CHROMOGENIC ACTINOMYCETES

Life Science

Actinobacteria are a diverse group of Gram-positive, filamentous microorganisms known for their significant metabolic versatility, pigment production and biotechnological importance. The present study aimed to explore the enzymatic potential of chromogenic Actinomycetes isolated from aquatic environments of the Vidarbha region. A total of 40 water samples were collected from various sources including tap water, bore water, rivers, lakes, wells, waterfalls, and hand pumps. Out of these, 18 samples showed positive growth for chromogenic Actinomycetes, indicating their widespread distribution in aquatic habitats. The highest frequency of isolates was observed in bore water (33%), followed by tap water (28%), while other sources such as river, lake, waterfall, well, and hand pump showed comparatively lower occurrence. All isolates exhibited good growth on selective media at neutral pH and temperature range of 26–38°C, with pigment production occurring within 6–7 days. Morphological and microscopic analysis confirmed that all isolates were Gram-positive with septate mycelium and showed variations in colony characteristics and pigment color. Biochemical characterization revealed that all isolates were negative for IMViC tests, indicating their non-enteric and strictly aerobic nature. Carbohydrate fermentation studies showed that all isolates fermented glucose with only acid production, while variable results were observed for other sugars. Enzymatic screening demonstrated that 17 out of 18 isolates showed positive amylase activity, and 17 isolates exhibited catalase activity. Protease production was observed in 5 isolates, while the majority showed urease activity except two isolates. All isolates were negative for oxidase activity.

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