Isolation of ureolytic bacteria from different sources and their characterization

Abstract

The present study was aimed at isolation and characterization of urease producing bacterial strains for improving the strength of cement concrete. A total of 1500 colonies were isolated from different samples like cowshed, poultry farm, milk, soil and pigeon dung. These isolated cultures were purified on phenol red agar plates. Out of total, 17 bacterial cultures showed pink coloured colonies indicating the presence of urease enzyme. These isolates were characterised on the basis of Gram's staining, size, shape, colour (also known as pigmentation), texture and elevation, ability to form endospores, catalase test, hydrogen sulphide production and acid production and carbohydrate utilization test.