LAUSR

Abstract Halophiles are a group of microorganisms found in salty environments such as marine ecosystems, salty meat, salt evaporation ponds, and salt mines. The present study aimed to investigate the diversity of halophilic microorganisms in Saghand Desert (Yazd Province, Iran). To this end, water, soil, and salt crystal samples were taken from Saghand Desert. In order to isolate and culture bacteria and archaea, they were separately inoculated in solid 10% Halophiles Moderate (HM) medium and 23% Modified Growth Medium (MGM). After incubation at 37 °C, all obtained halophilic isolates were analyzed in terms of phenotypic, microscopic, and biochemical characteristics. After eliminating repetitive strains, 26 isolates from each representative sample were selected for DNA extraction and molecular studies. Phylogenetic analysis showed that archaeal isolates belonged to genera Natrinema and Haloarcula and bacterial isolates were from genera Halomonas, Bacillus, Staphylococcus, and Gracilibacillus. The isolation of these genera from many regions of Iran and their enzymatic activity indicate the high biodiversity of these microorganisms in Iran and their potentials for use in biotechnology, which should be considered by industries more seriously.