Studies on siderophore production using Alcaligenes faecalis BCCM ID 2374 revealed hydroxamate and catecholate type of siderophores at 347 mu g m L-1. These fractions were purified on Amberlite XAD-4 column, which resulted in the separation of two bands having absorption maxima at 264 and 224 nm. The amount of pure siderophore obtained in powdered form from first and second fraction was 297 and 50 pg mL(-1) respectively. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.