Application of halophilic bacteria in traditional solar salt pond: a preliminary study

Microbial community in salt ponds have an important role in salt quality production. One of important microorganisms is halophilic bacteria and archaea which has been reported to positively correlated with salt quality. This manuscript reported a preliminary study on application of the halophylic bacteria consortia on to traditional salt pond in Pati. An amount of 0.5% (v/v) of the halophilic bacterial consortia was applied in 20 Baume (Be) salt pond sizing 20 m(3). After the saltwater reached 25 Be, the halophilic-treated saltwater was moved to the crystallization pond. Salt has been harvested by scrubbing cristal salt manually after 3-5 days, the time used by salt farmers in Pati. Yield, NaCl content, salt impurities, crystal whiteness, and compactness were parameters studied in this trial. Salt produced from pond interfered with halophilic bacteria consortia had higher NaCl content by 2%, lower content of impurities (Mg and Ca) and higher whiteness degree. SEM analysis showed that crystal salt produced from halophilic pond showed more compact, cubical form compared to the crystal salt from untreated pond which was more fragile. However, the yield of salt produced was not different between treated and untreated pond.