Research Article: A phylogenetic analysis of haloarchaea found in a solar saltern

Abstract In this study, the diversity of the haloarchaea found within a crystallizer pond of a solar saltern located in San Diego, California, USA was examined. Both cultured-based and culture-independent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) molecular phylogenetic methodology was employed. Of the eighteen defined genera in the family Halobacteriaceae, three different genera were found to be represented in this study, along with two apparent novel lineages containing only uncultivated representatives. These two novel lineages are most closely related to the genera Halogeometricum and Haloferax. Of the three defined genera represented, Haloarcula, Halobacterium, and Halorubrum, we were able to identify both cultured isolates and DNA from uncultivated members from within these groups. Based on culturing and culture-independent sampling, the predominant members of the haloarchaeal crystallizer community in this particular saltern belonged to the genus Halobacterium. It is also noteworthy t...