ABSTRACT
The genetic organization of potential bacterial polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biosynthetic genes varies among PHA-producing organisms. The type II of PHA biosynthetic genetic system consists of two PhaC1 and PhaC2 genes, separated by the enzyme depolymerase phaZ gene. The bacterial strains derived from the crude petroleum contaminated soil and water; petroleum sludge samples were cultured using enrichment culture technique. The crude oil contaminated soil, water, and petroleum sludge samples were serially diluted with sterile saline water using the standard dilution technique. The total viable bacterial populations were determined by spread-plating each sample after appropriate dilution in nutrient agar. This chapter presents the biochemical, morphological, and physiological characterization of the bacterial isolates was carried out following the procedures described by Cappuccino and Sherman. The production medium is used for the growth of some bacteria containing specific substances which can allow the growth of the desired species. This type of media is also useful for identifying unknown bacteria.
