Release of heavy metals into the environment could be hazardous to the biota in soil. Microorganisms prevalent in heavy metal contaminated soil could be useful in decontaminating the soil. Biosurfactants are used in bioremediation of metal – contaminated soil. The application of biosurfactant producing bacteria for bioremediation of metal contaminated soil could be a promising approach .With this view, the present study was designed to tap the biosurfactant production potential of bacteria harbouring the metal contaminated soil. Bacteria were isolated from the mercury contaminated soil and their biosurfactant production potential was evaluated. Isolate No.3, 6 (500 mg/ L) and 8, 11, 17 and 19 (400 mg/ L and 500 mg/ L) were resistant to mercury at higher concentrations. Among the bacteria, Bacillus cereus was identified to produce biosurfactant
