Halo-Acidophilic Microorganisms in Western Australia

The terrain and similar unusual mineral assemblages of Western Australia matches the aqueous environments that are likely to have occurred on early Mars. Specifically, acidic and saturated salt conditions were present in each of these environments. By isolating and characterizing microorganisms from evaporite minerals, it is possible to predict the possible lifeforms that could have occurred on Mars. The overall objective of our research has been to isolate microorganisms present in gypsum and halite salts originating from Lake Aerodrome in the Yilgarn Crater, Western Australia. Enrichments cultures, based upon the salt and pH conditions of this lake were developed. The resulting cultures will yield information that can be applied towards the understanding of possible previous life on Mars