Evaluation and Isolation of Halophilic Bacteria from the Meyghan Lake in Arak, Iran

ABSTRACT            Background and Objectives: Halophilic bacteria can grow and survive in environments with a wide range a wide range of salinities. In this study, we aimed to isolate halophilic bacteria from the Meyghan Lake in Arak (Iran) and evaluate their enzymatic activity.            Methods: Samples were taken from four different areas of the lake. Halophilic bacteria were isolated by culture in moderate halophilic medium, sea water nutrient agar and nutrient agar containing different salt concentrations. Purification was done via consecutive culture methods, and production of extracellular hydrolytic enzymes including amylase, protease, lecithinase, DNase and lipase was evaluated.            Results: Among 74 bacteria isolated from the lake water samples, 24 produced amylase, 27 produced lipase (Tween 40 and 80), 68 produced protease, three produced DNase and 61 produced lecithinase.            Conclusion: In this study, we isolated halophilic bacteria with enzymatic activity and potential industrial applications.            Keywords: Biological Diversity, isolation and purification, Halobacteriales, Meyghan Lake, Arak.