31 photoheterotrophic bacteria were isolated from Lake Aksehir sediment. Identification of the strains was based on morphological properties, motility and pigment composition, and also physiological properties such as carbon utilization and ability to respire anaerobically and aerobically in the dark. All strains were identified as Rhodopseudomonas palustris, but some strains were distinct from R. palustris with regard to vitamin requirement, malate utilization and aerobic growth in the dark. Until now, R. palustris had not been reported from an alkaline lake, and the strains growing alkaline pH (9) could be new strains of R. palustris.

31 photoheterotrophic bacteria were isolated from Lake Aksehir sediment. Identification of the strains was based on morphological properties, motility and pigment composition, and also physiological properties such as carbon utilization and ability to respire anaerobically and aerobically in the dark. All strains were identified as Rhodopseudomonas palustris, but some strains were distinct from R. palustris with regard to vitamin requirement, malate utilization and aerobic growth in the dark. Until now, R. palustris had not been reported from an alkaline lake, and the strains growing alkaline pH (9) could be new strains of R. palustris.