ENZYMATIC ACTIVITY OF FRESH WATER ACTINOMYCETES

Abstract

Fresh water systems represent a largely untapped source for isolation of novel microorganisms. Gram-positive actinomycetes are of special interest, since they are known to produce chemically diverse compounds with wide range of biological activities. Twenty four actinomycetes with distinct characteristics were isolated from three freshwater systems of Karimnagar, Andhra Pradesh, India viz: Lower Manair Dam, Manakondur Pond and Kothapally Pond. These isolates were screened for their antagonistic activity. Among, eight showed antagonistic activity against test bacteria. Enzymatic activity of these antibacterial actinomycete isolates was performed which revealed that, out of eight actinomycetes, 8(100%), 7(87%), 6(75%), 6(75%), 8(100%), were possessing amylase, protease, urease, cellulase and lipase activity respectively. It was found that all tested active isolates were lacking chitinase activity. It was thus seen from above results that high numbers of actinomycetes were biochemically active in fresh water systems and play significant role in decomposition of complex organic matter.