Precipatation of calcium carbonate by Vibrio spp. from an inland saltern
Calcium carbonate precipitation by 63 strains of moderately halophilic bacteria (Vibrio spp.) isolated from water of a saltern pond has been studied, taking into account the influence of salinity and temperature on the quantity and type of crystals precipitated. The bacteria formed crystals under all the conditions tested. All the crystals were magnesium calcite, with a variable Mg content, depending upon the medium provided. No aragonite was detected, even in a media with high Mg contents. Whether these microorganisms play an active role in precipitation is discussed, as well as the possibility that they may contribute to CaCO3 precipatation in their natural habitats.