Microorganisms in extreme environments

There are a number of saline and alkaline lakes in the northwestern areas of China, and a diverse range of micro-organisms, e. g., halophiles, haloalkaliphiles, alkalophiles, halotolerant and alkalitolerant micro-organisms, have been isolated from samples collected from these habitats. Some alkalophiles show considerable biotechnological and commercial significance. Among the halophiles, other than those in internationally recognized cultures, a new species, Haloarcula aidinensis, with different-shaped cells, either triangular or tetragonal, has been discovered in a saline lake situated at 154 meters below sea level.

There are various thermophilic habitats in the form of thermal springs and hot pools in the country, and these are especially rich in southwestern areas. A diverse group of thermophiles and thermotolerant micro-organism have been isolated from these habitats, for example, a new genus, Sulfosphaerellus, was reported upon in 1982. It is a representative of the Archean bacteria, with an optimal growth temperature above 70℃.

A diverse microbial flora of psychrophiles and psychrotrophs has been isolated from alpine cold environments above the snow line.

In summary, micro-organisms in extreme environments in China will provide abundant resources for the reformation of Chinese traditional microbial productivity.