Method for preservation of marine microorganisms

Abstract

A method of harvesting and packaging marine substrate material with an optimal amount of water and air in retail packaging specifically dimensioned and configured for maintaining ammonia oxidizing bacteria in a state wherein the bacteria are capable of metabolic and physiologic activity after prolonged periods at room temperature. According to a first aspect of the invention there is disclosed a method for the harvesting materials that are naturally rich with bacteria, such as sand, shells, aragonite, and crushed coral materials harvested from submerged marine environments, and packaging the harvested materials in specifically sized sealed containers, suitable for storage at room temperature and retail sale, such that marine bacteria are preserved in their natural habitat—in biofilms attached to the granular surfaces—for extended periods of time. According to a second aspect of the invention there is disclosed an enrichment solution for further extending the period of time that the microorganisms remain bio-actively viable. The enrichment solution may be used in combination with the method of the first aspect of the invention to further increase the number of microorganisms that remain bio-actively viable.