Occurrence and distribution of phosphate solubilizing bacteria and phosphatase in marine sediments at Porto Novo

The occurrence and distribution of a special group of bacteria, capable of dissolving insoluble phosphates, were studied in marine environments, especially in sediments. The phosphatase activity was also investigated. Clayey sediments contained more phosphate solubilizing bacteria and phosphatase than sandy sediments. There was a positive correlation between the total phosphate content and the phosphatase activity. The phosphatase activity was recorded in all samples, irrespective of salinity variations. The role of various factors of the sediments in maintaining the phosphate availability in the overlying water is discussed.Contribution No. 102, Marine Biological Station, Annamalai University, Porto Novo, Tamil Nadu, South India.