Alkaliphilic Micro-Organisms and Habitats

Abstract

This review article summarizes the current status of the biodiversity of alkaliphilic microorganisms in various environments and outlines aspects of their biotechnological potential. The article distinguishes thalassohaline versus athalassohaline hypersaline environments, high calcium versus low calcium (soda lakes and deserts) alkaline environments, and alkalophilic versus alkalitolerant organisms. Biotechnological applications include: enzymes, pharmaceutical compounds, food, degradation of macromolecules, and microbially enhanced oil recovery