Bacterial diversity of lonar soda lake of India.

Total seventy four bacteria were isolated from Lonar soda lake of Maharashtra state, India. Eleven isolates were identified using morphological, biochemical and molecular analysis. The bacteria isolated belonged to phylum firmicutes and proteobacteria. Majorities (eight) were firmicutes and three were proteobacteria. For the first time we are reporting Alcanivorax spp. which is a genus well known for its oil degradation capacity, indicate the probable existence of oil reservoir in vicinity of Lonar lake. In addition all the eleven bacteria are potential producers of industrially important enzymes, pigments, antibiotics as well.