John Loui T. Tadia, Romer R. Tumasis, (March 2013)
Philippine Science High School Western Visayas Campus – Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PSHS WVC), Brgy. Bito-on, Jaro, Iloilo City 5000, Philippines
ABSTRACT
This study that was conducted by the researchers identified the existing diazotrophic cyanobacteria on the pneumatophores of the mangrove, Avicennia marina. The pneumatophores were gathered from the sampling site and were transported to the research laboratory of PSHSWVC where they will be processed. Pneumatophore samples were put on an ASN-III agar medium to culture the cyanobacteria present. The cyanobacteria that grew were then transferred to a nitrogen-free ASN-III agar medium to purify the culture and to grow only the diazotrophic cyanobacteria. The cyanobacteria culture were then smeared on the glass slide and then viewed under an electronic microscope. Pictures were taken using the Moticam and were compared to the monographs by Desikachary 1959, 1987; Anand 1998; Kemdirim 2001; and Prescott 1964 to verify the identification. The identified cyanobacteria were verified by an expert on cyanobacteria, DR. Radha Prasanna . The results show that there were no cyanobactetia present. Instead, fungi and actinomycetes were found.