Polymorphic Halophilic Bacteria and Haloarchaea from Lianyungang Taibei and Yancheng Sanwei Salt Field Soils

Abstract:

Halophilic microorganisms play important rules in salt field ecosystem and salt production. In this study, halophilic bacteria and haloarchaea from soils of Lianyungang Taibei and Yancheng Sanwei salt fields were analyzed. The halophilic bacterial and haloarchaeal types from both the soils were similar, but each soil had its distinctive species. A total of 17 halophilic bacteria were identified, among them, Halomonas was found from both the soils, while Pontibacillus and Halobacillus were isolated from Sanwei salt field only. Using uncultured 16S rRNA gene library technology, 13 haloarchaeal soil 16S rRNA genes were identified from both the saline soils. Halobacterium and Haloplanus were found from Taibei salt field, while Halobacterium, Natronobacterium, Halogeometricum and Haloarcula were identified from Sanwei salt field. Ten haloarchaeal 16S rRNA gene sequences showed 92%~97% identities with the GenBank sequences that appear to represent novel soil haloarchaeal species. This study provides important information that is useful for further investigation and application of halophiles of saline soil fields.