Thermophilic bacteria of the hot springs “Ashagi Istisu” and “Yukhari Istisu” of the Kalbajar region of the Republic of Azerbaijan

The presented work is devoted to the study of the bacterial biota of the hot springs “Ashagi Istisu” (pH=8.0, t=64°C, mineralization is 6.7 g/l) and “Yukhari Istisu” (pH=9.0, t=71°C, mineralization is 4.3 g/l) of the Kalbajar region, characterized by a wide range of environmental conditions (pH, temperatures, chemical components, etc.). Samples of thermal waters were inoculated and colonies of thermophilic bacteria that grew on a solid medium of nutrient agar were isolated. Some colonies of thermophilic bacteria were isolated in pure culture and 6 strains were received (KA1, KA2, KA3, KY1, KY2, KY3). The cell morphology of these strains is represented by short and long gram-positive, spore forming rods, varying in size. Colonies differ in color, shape, margin, consistency, size, etc. The morphology of cells and colonies of two strains (KA1, KY1) has been well studied, and the ratio of these strains to the pH and temperature of the medium was determined. It was found that strains KA1, KY1 actively grow in the temperature range 55-60°C, at pH=7.0-9.0. Based on morpho-cultural characteristics and some physiological properties, the strains were identified. The KA1 strain was assigned to the genus Bacillus, and the KY1 strain was presumably assigned to the Bacillus stearothermophilus species.