Mapping Archaeal Diversity in Soda Lakes by Coupling 16S rRNA PCR-DGGE Analysis with Remote Sensing and GIS Technology

The haloarchaeal diversity of four hypersaline alkaline lakes from the Wadi El-Natrun depression (Northern Egypt) was investigated using culture-independent polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) 16S rRNA gene phylotypes, which combined with remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) data to highlight distribution pattern microbial in water sediment samples. majority archaeal sequences identified all belonged phyla Euryarchaeota Crenarchaeota. Sediment samples Beida Lake El-Hamra showed highest levels diversity. Sequence similarities ? 95% were found between six acquired clones uncultured Halorhabdus, Euryarchaeota, archaeon clones. In addition, two shared a high level sequence similarity (97%) unclassified archaea, while other nine exhibited 96% 99% clones, only one clone 97% identity an Likewise, 7 DGGE bands presented 90 98% Halogranum sp., Halalkalicoccus tibetensis, jeotgali, Halorubrum, Halobacteriaceae or haloarchaeon. conclusion, variety alkaliphilic haloarchaea examined soda restricted, possibility uncovering novel species for biotechnological applications these extreme habitats remains promising.