ABSTRACT
Salterns are highly saline environments, where salt concentrations inhibit growth of most of the organisms. Recent studies have revealed that these environments are loaded with a variety of microbial life. In the present study, sediment samples were collected from Salterns of Marakanam, Tamil Nadu and were analyzed for presence of any halotolerant bacteria in them. Twelve isolates were obtained after processing the samples and were characterized. Two isolates among the total were selected based on unique biochemical characteristics and were further studied. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that these isolates are Pontibacillus chungwensis (P1) and Bacillus barbaricus (P2). The isolate P2 has not yet been reported to be isolated from such an environment and no reports of salt tolerance characteristics. In addition to that the 16S rRNA gene analysis results showed the sequence of strain to be located in a different domain well away from Bacillus barbaricus type strain. Further work on the bacterium might result in the strain P2 being claimed as novel. Any study on the microbial life of these salterns is helpful in extending our knowledge on the microorganisms present in such environments and their physiology which might be useful in agriculture, industry and Costal areas.