Kolsal, FulyaAkbal, ZeynepLiaqat, FakhraGök, OğuzhanSponza, Delia TeresaEltem, Rengin13.07.20192019-07-1613.07.20192019-07-1620172471-1888https://doi.org/10.3934/microbiol.2017.3.467https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12451/4393Biodegradation requires identification of hydrocarbon degrading microbes and the investigation of psychrotolerant hydrocarbon degrading microbes is essential for successful biodegradation in cold seawater. In the present study, a total of 597 Bacillus isolates were screened to select psychrotolerant strains and 134 isolates were established as psychrotolerant on the basis of their ability to grow at 7 degrees C. Hydrocarbon degradation capacities of these 134 psychrotolerant isolate were initially investigated on agar medium containing different hydrocarbons (naphthalene, n-hexadecane, mineral oil) and 47 positive isolates were grown in broth medium containing hydrocarbons at 20 degrees C under static culture. Bacterial growth was estimated in terms of viable cell count (cfu ml(-1)). Isolates showing the best growth in static culture were further grown in presence of crude oil under shaking culture and viable cell count was observed between 8.3 x 10(5)-7.4 x 10(8) cfu ml-1. In the final step, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) (chrysene and naphthalene) degradation yield of two most potent isolates was determined by GC-MS along with the measurement of pH, biomass and emulsification activities. Results showed that isolates Ege B.6.2i and Ege B.1.4Ka have shown 60% and 36% chrysene degradation yield, respectively, while 33% and 55% naphthalene degradation yield, respectively, with emulsification activities ranges between 33-50%. These isolates can be used to remove hydrocarbon contamination from different environments, particularly in cold regions.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessHydrocarbonsPAHsPsychrotolerantBacillusGC-MSArticle3346748210.3934/microbiol.2017.3.467WOS:000406747800006N/A