Identification of bacteria in the surrounding water and on submerged polyvinyl chloride plates at Kerteh Port, Terengganu

Abstract

This study describes the important of identifying the bacteria in the surrounding water and bacteria adhering on the submerged PVC plates at Kerteh port, Terengganu. The aim and objective of this study are to identify the bacteria in the surrounding water and on submerged PVC plates. Bacteria in the ocean play an important role in biofilms formation and biofouling activities. Based on the preliminary observation on the PVC plates left for one month in the surrounding water, the biofouling activities were occurred at Kerteh port area. The bacteria identified were only limited to laboratories cultivable bacteria. Then, 16S rRNA gene sequences, PCR purification and gel electrophoresis were done for a total of 15 bacterial isolates for both samples. Based on gel electrophoresis result, the amplification of 16S rRNA region was appeared at approximately 1500 base pair and an adequate amount for identification proposed. The sequencing result showed that, the bacteria identified were belongs to same family Vibrionaceae. The bacteria were known as Photobacterium damsalae, Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio hepatarius. The bacteria identified indicate that, they were present in the surrounding water and adhering on the submerged polyvinyl chloride plates.