Isolation and Screening for Ureolytic Bacteria from Bukilat Cave, Camotes Islands, Cebu

Abstract

Microbial-induced calcite precipitation (MICP) is an eco-friendly technique used in creating better soil substrate often for engineering purposes. This is done through the application of the ureolytic pathway of certain bacteria. This study aims to discover whether any of these bacteria can be found in Bukilat Cave, Camotes Islands, Cebu. Samples from the pools of water, drip water, and swabs of the walls of the cave were collected, cultured, and then tested using Christensen’s agar for their ability to undergo the ureolytic pathway. The rate at which they undergo the ureolytic pathway was then measured and compared between different sources and to the positive control, Bacillus megaterium. The results showed that there was no significant difference between the rate at which bacteria from the different sources underwent ureolysis. There was also no significant difference between the rate at which the collected bacteria underwent ureolysis and the rate of the positive control (2.588 mM/min). Finally, the species with the fastest rate of ureolysis was identified to be Bacillus cereus NR 074540 with a rate of 3.033 mM/min. However, it is not ideal for MICP purposes because of its potential pathogenicity.