ABSTRACT
In this research the effects of crude oil on morphological and physiological characterization of the cyanobacterium Microchaete tenera ISC13 were investigated. Isolated cyanobacterium treated with different oil concentrations [control, 1, 2.5, 5 and 7%] in carbonless BG11[0] medium. Morphological characteristics such as morphology of filament, cellular shapes and sizes, relative position of heterocytes and akinetes were described for these treatments. Biometrical and morphological observations carried out by light and scanning electron microscopy. Dimensions of cells did not significantly impress, although a slightly increase in length of vegetative cells was observed in 2.5 and 5% crude oil in comparison to control. With respect to the physiological responses, cyanobacterium growth increased with elevated oil concentration but no changes was observed in chlorophyll content. Phycobiliproteins [PBP], phycocyanin [PC] and allophycocyanin [APC] had the highest rate in control. Increasing crude oil decreased all PBP. This study demonstrated that crude oil doesn't have destructive effect on Microchaete tenera ISC13 and suggest probable potential of this microorganism to use oil hydrocarbons as carbon source