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Five psychrotolerant Alcanivorax spp. strains were isolated from Antarctic coastal waters. Strains were screened for molecular and physiological properties and analyzed regarding their growth capacity. Partial 16S rDNA, alk-B1, and P450 gene sequencing was performed. Biolog EcoPlates and the API 20E test were used to evaluate metabolic and biochemical profiles. Bacterial growth in sodium acetate was determined at 4, 15, 20, and 25 °C to evaluate the optimal temperature. Furthermore, the ability of each strain to grow in a hydrocarbon mixture at 4 and 25 °C was assayed. Biosurfactant production tests (drop-collapse and oil spreading) and emulsification activity tests (E24) were also performed. Concerning results of partial gene sequencing (16S rDNA, alk-B1, and P450), a high similarity of the isolates with the same genes isolated from other Alcanivorax spp. strains was observed. The metabolic profiles obtained by Biolog assays showed no significant differences in the isolates compared to the Alcanivorax borkumensis wild type. The results of biodegradative tests showed their capability to grow at different temperatures. All strains showed biosurfactant production and emulsification activity. Our findings underline the importance to proceed in the isolation and characterization of Antarctic hydrocarbon-degrading bacterial strains since their biotechnological and environmental applications could be useful even for pollution remediation in polar areas.

Total seventy four bacteria were isolated from Lonar soda lake of Maharashtra state, India. Eleven isolates were identified using morphological, biochemical and molecular analysis. The bacteria isolated belonged to phylum firmicutes and proteobacteria. Majorities (eight) were firmicutes and three were proteobacteria. For the first time we are reporting Alcanivorax spp. which is a genus well known for its oil degradation capacity, indicate the probable existence of oil reservoir in vicinity of Lonar lake. In addition all the eleven bacteria are potential producers of industrially important enzymes, pigments, antibiotics as well.