Bioremediation of Saline Soils with the Consortium of Halophilic Bacteria

88 strains of bacteria were isolated and purified from the naturally saline soils of Kumisi, Sagarejo and Alazani valley (Eastern Georgia). Based on the initial identification all strains belong to the genus Bacillus. Two strains – Bacillus spp. 8(3)1) and Bacillus spp. 7(5)4, resistant to chloride, sulfate and mixed (chloride-sulfate) salinity, as well as possessing high cellulase and amylase activities were selected as a result of successive screenings among the isolated bacteria. After the antagonism between potential members of the consortium has been excluded, the consortium of halophilic bacteria was created. Compost was made and applied to moderately saline soils using the halophilic consortium. The bioremediation of saline soils of Alazani was especially successful: the halophilic consortium has reduced the salt content in the soil by 41% during the 21 days of composting.