Isolation and Identification of Oil-degrading bacteria from Sediments of Qatari Mangrove forests, as response to oil pollution and symbiosis with mangrove roots

Mangrove forests face threats from oil pollution, which can potentially drive species to extinction or force adaptation. In the rhizosphere of the mangrove roots, diversity of symbiotic bacteria exist. Examining hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria in such rhizosphere, across pollution levels would provide insight into their abilities to endure Qatar's conditions and allow mangrove plants to survive and adapt. Sediments were collected from Al-Ruwais and Al-Thakhirah, with different pollution levels. Hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria were isolated, purified and identified using MALDI TOF MS. Additionally, their protein profiles were distinguished through principal component analysis. At highly polluted Al-Ruwais site, Pseudomonas aeruginosa dominated. Al-Thakhirah exhibited greater diversity including Lysinibacillus xylanilyticus, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, Micrococcus luteus, Brevundimonas diminuta, Kocuria rhizophila and Bacillus pumilus. Notably, Pseudomonas strains displayed significant diversity in protein profiles, likely influenced by variances in metabolism, growth and diesel degradation efficiencies. This underscores rhizosphere bioremediation's key role in mitigating pollution, enabling mangroves even in heavily contaminated areas. Conversely, bacteria from less polluted Al-Thakhira exhibited limitations adapting and degrading diesel, attributable to lower contamination. These findings emphasize rhizosphere bacteria's crucial functions in sustaining mangroves amid elevated oil levels.