Microbial diversity at marine salterns near Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India

• Published in: Current science (Bangalore) Vol. 90; no. 4; pp. 497 - 500
• Main Authors: Dave, Shailesh R., Desai, Harsha B.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Current Science Association 25.02.2006
• Subjects: Antibiotics; Bacteria; Biochemistry; Euryarchaeota; Fungi; Halophiles; Hydrolysis; Marine; Microbiology; Natrinema thermotolerant; Nitrates; Salinity; SCIENTIFIC CORRESPONDENCE; ISW, India, Gujarat, Bhavnagar
• ISSN: 0011-3891

Samples were collected from marine salterns located about 25-30 km north of Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India. Colony count and pigmentation at various NaCl concentrations showed that the increase in NaCl concentration in medium favored growth of pigment producers as well as pigment intensity. Red and orange pigmented colonies were dominating at 25% NaCl, pink at 20%, yellow at 15%, while colorless colonies were dominated at 10% NaCl concentration. Out of 73 isolates, only 6 isolates were selected for further study because of their high pleomorphism and high salt tolerance. They grew at pH ranging from 5.5 to 11.0 and NaCl concentration 15-35% and showed overall cell size of 1.0-11.6 µm length and 0.7-1.5 mu m width. Analysis of 16s rRNA of isolate 67 was done and it was confirmed that it is haloarchaea and it was identified as Natrinema thermotolerant, a member of family Halobacteriaceae. This culture grew unto 50 degree C and tolerated 60 degree C temperature. Isolates, which are tolerating up to 30% salt, needs further study.