2. Halophilic micro-organisms

2.1 Halophilic micro-organisms

In the environment, seawater contains around 3% NaCl; i.e. 30 g NaCl per kilogram of seawater, as well as smaller quantities of many other minerals or other dissolved elements . Microorganisms colonizing marine habitats generally require the sodium ion (Na ⁺ ) for their development. These organisms are called halophiles because they require NaCl for growth. The terms very moderate or moderate halophiles characterize organisms whose NaCl requirements are respectively low (1 to 6%)...