Exploring Actinomycetes Diversity in Extreme Ecosystems of Algeria: Isolation, Morphological Characterization, and Enzymatic Capacities

Abstract

This study aimed to isolate actinomycetes strains from a wide space and rhizosphere zone in arid and semi-arid environments and to determine their enzymatic potential. Using a combination of different pre-treatments and selective media, 94 distinct strains wre collected and identified based on their morphological characteristics. Predominantly, these strains were recovered from the rhizosphere of Fraxinus excelsior 40%, followed by Casuarina equisetifolia 29%, and then 16% from Ain Sefra soil, 10% from Naama soil, and 5% from Bechar soil. A qualitative screening test was conducted to assess amylase, protease, and lipase activity. Out of the isolated strains, 77 and 75 displayed significant effectiveness in producing lipase and amylase, whereas only 43 strains showed the capacity to produce protease. Interestingly, a group of 27 strains exhibited positive results for co-production of all examined enzymes. Based on these findings, there is considerable potential for further investigation to exploit these enzymes or isolates strains in various industrial sectors.