Reverse sample genome probing has been developed
by Voordouw and his colleagues (1991) to analyze
the culture diversity of culture enrichment. The use of
molecular biological techniques specially those that take
advantages of the 16S rRNA fraction, has become a
powerful tool for studying the diversity and structure of
natural microbial communities.
The hydrocarbon-degrading Bacillus isolates were
identified and characterized on the basis of classical
morphological, physiological and biochemical tests
with the aid of a rapid identificaton procedure using
Api 50 CHB medium and Api 20 E showing greatest
reproducibility and discriminatory value (Logan 1980).
The aim of this work was to isolate, identify and
metabolically characterize active strains that decompose
crude oil and its components, in order to develop biotechnical
tools on the basis of the isolated strains for use
as catalysts and/or indicators in optimized bioremediation
techniques for crude oil and mineral oil product
contaminations of soil and water.