delta-Aminolevulinic acid dehydratase of Haloarcula argentinensis isolated from Tuz Lake in Turkey.

The delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) enzyme of a novel record for Turkish microbial flora was studied. The isolate I-113 was obtained from Tuz Lake in Turkey and identified as Haloarcula argentinensis. The ALAD enzyme of the isolate was assayed in order to determine its requirements and to be used as biomarker for lead pollution in it's ambient. In enzymic studies, the effects of various metals (Cd, Co, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn), pH (3-11), temperatures (25-55 degrees C), and salinity (15-25%) conditions have been examined. The data obtained from the studies were analyzed statistically by using Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, correlation, regression, variance analysis, and significance tests were performed by using SPSS 10.0 for Windows. Although its optimum pH was determined as 7, it was still active at pH 3-11. The optimal temperature for the enzyme was observed to be 30 degrees C. Mn and Pb inhibited its activity significantly (p < 0.05) while Zn increased it slightly. The ALAD enzyme in H. argentinensis could be used as a biomarker for Pb contamination.

Salmonella mutagenicity analysis of water samples from Camalti Saltern.

Mutagenicity analysis of water samples from Camalti Saltern, Turkey were investigated by applying Salmonella mutagenicity test. Plate incorporation assay was applied in the absence of metabolic activation. XAD 4 and XAD 16 columns were used for the fractionation of the water samples. The results obtained were negative in both TA 98 and TA 100. Although the number of revertants of XAD 16 extract in station B were higher than the revertants in the other stations for TA 98 strain when compared to the solvent control. However this was not significant to be considered as mutagenic. The results were discussed for the future analysis.