Isolation and Characterization of Novel Halo-Acidophilic Microorganisms Present in Hypersaline Lakes from Western Australia

The microbial communities in the acidic hypersaline environments in Lake Magic, Lake Gounter, Lake Gneiss, and Lake Aerodrome in Western Australia are currently unknown. These lakes are of interest due to their pH and salt concentrations, recorded with ranges between 1.4-3.5 pH and 13-32% salt concentration. Halite and gypsum evaporites form a crustal layer within the sediment. Previously, microorganisms have been found to be acidophilic and halo-tolerant, but not halo-acidophilic. With this combination of extreme conditions, we expect novel halo-acidophilic microorganisms to be isolated. Matrices characterizing pH and salt concentration limits have been developed to determine the extent and preferential growth and to help with isolating novel bacteria. Growth results from matrices have led us to believe there are different communities in evaporite and sediment samples. Other analysis, scanning electron microscopy, indicates that diatoms are also present in these environments. Our results will lead to an understanding of this new category of extremophiles