EXOPOLYMER PRODUCTION BY A FOULING MARINE BACTERIUM PSEUDOMONAS ALCALIGENES

Exopolymeric substances (EPS) secreted by marine bacterium Pseudomonas alcaligenes grown on basal salt solution medium was analysed for its biochemical composition. The biopolymer was produced during all phases of growth and varied with the source and amount of carbon and nitroge n provided in the growth media. More EPS was produced on active surfac es like copper than on glass and titanium. EPS which promotes bacteria l adhesion on immersed surfaces contained carbohydrates (19.8%), prote ins (16.8%), uronic acids (3.5%), sulphate (0.7%) and pyruvate in trac es. Inorganic matter was around 52.5%.