Exploring microbial diversity in the Kharasinpur hot spring of West Bengal, India.

BACKGROUND

Hot springs are natural geothermal environments that harbour thermophilic microorganisms with significant biotechnological potential. Despite extensive studies on many Indian hot springs, Kharasinpur Hot Spring in West Bengal remains totally unexplored in terms of microbial diversity and physicochemical properties.

METHODS

A total of seven bacterial isolates were obtained from water samples collected at the Kharasinpur Hot Spring. These isolates underwent morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular characterization through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Water samples were analyzed for physicochemical parameters such as temperature, pH, total hardness, iron concentration, salt content, and total dissolved solids (TDS).

RESULTS

The water temperature was recorded at 65 °C with a slightly alkaline pH (7.24). The 16S rRNA analysis identified isolates belonging to the phyla Pseudomonadota (e.g., Pseudomonas sp., Hydrogenophaga sp.) and Bacillota (e.g., Staphylococcus sp., Neobacillus sp.). The high iron content in the hot spring water was notable and rendered it unsafe for direct human consumption.

CONCLUSION

This study provides novel insights into the microbial diversity and physicochemical characteristics of a relatively unstudied Indian hot spring. The findings contribute to broader research efforts on hot spring ecosystems in India, enhancing our understanding of their microbial ecology and potential health implications.