Isolation, Identification and Characterization of Bacterial Community in Different Agricultural Land Uses in Betong, Sarawak

• Main Author: Trexia Kiana, Dampa
• Format: Final Year Project Report
• Language: English; English
• Published: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, (UNIMAS) 2022
• Subjects: HD Industries. Land use. Labor; HF Commerce
• Online Access: http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/39918/1/TREXIA%20KIANA%20ANAK%20DAMPA%2024pgs.pdf; http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/39918/4/TREXIA%20KIANA%20ft.pdf; http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/39918/

The increase in land usage for agricultural purposes may influence the soil biota. The present study aims to isolate soil bacteria from different agricultural land uses in Betong, identify them, and characterize them to determine their possible effects on agriculture and farm workers. Soil samples from four different crops area which where oil palm, rubber, cocoa, and pepper were analyzed. A sum of 15 isolates were cultured on nutrient agar and Mueller Hinton Agar, identified using 16S rRNA Sequencing, characterized using AGE and Gram Stain, and analysed using BLAST tool. The antibiotic susceptibility of these isolates were also tested against eight antibiotics. Results showed that most of the isolates could be categorized under four genera which were Bacillus, Enterobacter, Pseudomonas, and Burkholderia. Most of the isolates were found to be PGPRs that were beneficial to crop growth and health. The MAR index result also showed that 100 % of the isolates have a high risk of contamination and could be a potential hazard to people who are in direct contact with the soil in the area. Twelve isolates showed highest susceptibility to the antibiotic Imipenem making it a possible tool to counter harmful soil bacteria. Further research on Sarawak’s soil bacteria should be conducted because of its significant environmental and human health implications.