Extremely halophilic, methylotrophic, anaerobic bacteria

Abstract

Extremely halophilic methanogens and a rodshape homo-acetogen were isolated from cyanobacterial mats of Sivash, Crimea. Trimethylamine served as a single source of energy for both groups. Methanogenic strains obtained constitute a continuum of forms, from moderately halophilic to those living at salt saturation. A new homo-acetogen, Acetohalobium arabaticum growing in the salinity range of 10–25% produced acetate, mono-, di- and trimethylamines from betaine. A limited number of substrates including formate, H2+ CO2, CO, lactate, pyruvate and hystidine was utilized. A trophic chain is discussed for methanogenesis in hypersaline environments.