In this investigation, bacteria were isolated from 4 habitats in the marine ecosystem adjacent to a petrochemical industry in the Bay of Cartagena (biofilms, neuston, surface water and sediments). In the process, the samples were subjected to a pre-enrichment of a week, to an enrichment of three weeks and a selection of competitive strains, where there were marked changes in the properties of crude oil, such as turbidity and white aggregates for bacterial growth. Different morph types were isolated to characterize biochemically as Pseudomonas aeruginosa was identified in all samples, confirming his great ability to adapt in such polluted environments. This will allow for biodegradation tests with this bacterium, so you can make at microcosm test for potential use in bioremediation of oil-contaminated marine waters.
keywords:
Bacteria, biodegradation, Cartagena Bay Coastal Ecosystems, Hydrocarbons, Pollution.