Land Use and Local Conditions Effects on Extracellular Enzyme Activity of Actinobacteria Strains

Purpose: Evaluate how land use and local conditions affects extracellular enzyme activity of actinobacterial strains isolated from soils in the Brazilian Semi-arid Northeast region. Theoretical framework: The study is framed within soil microbial ecology and environmental microbiology, examining how environmental factors shape the diversity and function of soil bacteria. Method: Soil samples were collected along transects from 3 conservation units into surrounding areas with different land uses. Actinobacteria were isolated and identified morphologically. Extracellular enzyme activities were measured and compared between land uses and locations. Results: The study found considerable actinobacterial diversity, with Streptomyces as the most abundant genus. Amylase, cellulase and xylanase activities varied between locations and land uses. Multivariate analysis revealed heterogeneity in the functional diversity of actinobacterial communities related to land use. Conclusions: Both land use and minor local distinctions can strongly influence the metabolic potential and ecosystem functions of actinobacterial populations in semi-arid environments. Originality/value: Provides new insights into actinobacterial ecology in Brazilian semi-arid soils, showing land use and local conditions strongly influence bacterial community distribution.