Diversity and Biotechnological Potential of Cultivable Halophilic and Halotolerant Bacteria from the "Los Negritos" Geothermal Area.

Soil salinization is negatively affecting soils globally, and the spread of this problem is of great concern due to the loss of functions and benefits offered by the soil resource. In the present study, we explored the diversity of halophilic and halotolerant microorganisms in the arable fraction of a sodic-saline soil without agricultural practices and two soils with agricultural practices (one sodic and one saline) near the geothermal area "Los Negritos" in Villamar, Michoacán state. This was achieved through their isolation and molecular identification, as well as the characterization of their potential for the production of metabolites and enzymes of biotechnological interest under saline conditions.