Distribution of Heterotrophic Bacteria in Lake Shira

A study of the horizontal and vertical distribution of heterotrophic bacteria in brackish Lake Shira in summer periods showed that mesophilic bacteria dominated in all areas of the lake, whereas psychrotolerant bacteria dominated in the metalimnion and hypolimnion of its central part. Nonhalophilic bacteria were mostly mesophilic and dominated in coastal waters. Most psychrotolerant bacteria were able to grow in the presence of 5–10% NaCl. Heterotrophic bacteria isolated in different regions of the lake were identified to a generic level. The isolates were classified into autochthonous and allochthonous microorganisms on the bases of their distribution pattern in the lake water, halotolerance, and ability to grow at low temperatures.