Nature Environment and Pollution Technology

Vishwas S. Patil ¹, Sharmishtha V. Patil ², H. V. Deshmukh ³, G. R. Pathade ⁴

Affiliations
1 Department of Microbiology, Lal Bahadur Shastri College, Satara-415 002, Maharashtra, IN
2 Department of Botany, Yashwantrao Chavan Institute of Science, Satara-415 002, Maharashtra, IN
3 Department of Microbiology, Yashwantrao Chavan Institute of Science, Satara-415 002, Maharashtra, IN
4 Department of Biotechnology, Fergusson College, Pune-411 004, Maharashtra, IN

Abstract

Soil salinity is a major problem in Maharashtra. Attempt is made to isolate salt-tolerant, thermotolerant, nitrogen fixing, phosphate solubilising Azotobacter spp. from the saline soil of Khodashi village in Satara district. Eight Azotobacter spp. were isolated from the saline soils. They were confirmed based on morphological, cultural and biochemical characteristics. They were tested for saline and thermal tolerance. The phosphate solubilizing potential of the these Azotobacter isolates was qualitatively evaluated by the formation of halos (clear zones) around the colonies growing on solid medium containing tribasic calcium phosphate as a sole phosphorus source. The results showed that phosphate solubilising, salt tolerant and thermotolerant Azotobacter spp. could be a promising source for the development of saline-alkali soil-based agriculture.

Keywords

Azotobacter spp., Saline Soil, Salt Tolerant, Thermotolerant, Phosphate Solubilising.

Full Text

   

H. V. Deshmukh ¹, G. R. Pathade ², P. K. Goel ³

Affiliations
1 Department of Microbiology, Y. C. Institute of Science, Satara-415 001, Maharashtra, IN
2 Department of Biotechnology, Fergusson College, Pune-411 004, Maharashtra, IN
3 Department of Pollution Studies, Y. C. College of Science, Karad-415 124, Maharashtra, IN

Abstract

The study was made to see the biomethanation potential of 14 commonly present weed plants alone and in combination with some agro-industrial wastes like distillery, sugar, dairy and farmhouse. The plants were used in the original form and after mild alkali treatment to see effect of softening of the tissues. There was a marked increase in biogas production after pretreatment in almost all the plants. The mixing of agro-industrial wastes also enhanced the capability of weeds to produce biogas. In general, Ipomoea carnea showed the best results alone as well as in combination with the wastes, especially distillery waste. The use of these plants can be made to supplement the conventional substrates like dung in rural areas to augment the biogas production.

Full Text