Microbial diversity of soil from two hot springs in Uttaranchal Himalaya

Soil samples collected from two hot springs, Soldhar and Ringigad, both located in the Garhwal region of Uttaranchal Himalaya were analysed for their physical, chemical and microbial components. The alkaline pH, total absence of carbon and nitrogen, and high temperature were features common to soil samples from both sites. The Soldhar samples contained higher amounts of Cu, Fe and Mn. Ringigad soil was devoid of Cu, but had much higher phosphate. While the optimum incubation temperature for isolating the maximum microbial counts from soil samples from the two sites was 50 degrees C, microbial growth in broth was also observed when incubated at 80 degrees C. Microscopic examination revealed three types of microbial populations, i.e., bacteria, yeast and filamentous organisms. The soil samples were found to be dominated by spore forming rods. Out of 58 aerobic isolates, 53 were gram positive bacilli. Gram positive anaerobic oval rods were also observed up to 60 degrees C. Soil dilution plates revealed the presence of antagonistic and phosphate solubilizing populations.