Isolation and Characterization of a PsychrotolerantStreptomycesStrain from Permafrost Soil in Spitsbergen, Producing Phthalic Acid Ester

An actinomycete, strain SB9, was isolated from a soil sample collected from permafrost in Spitsbergen, Arctic Ocean. The strain is psychrotolerant with growth at temperatures between 4°C and 30°C and optimal growth temperature between 20°C and 28°C. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of the strain SB9 indicated a high level of sequence similarity (99%) to Streptomyces avidinii. The 16S rRNA gene sequence data of strain SB9 have been deposited in the GenBank databases under the accession number EU878377. The strain produces di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). The identification of (DEHP) was settled on the basis of electrospray mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), 1D NMR spectroscopy, and comparison with standards. Isolated compound showed antimicrobial activity against various microorganisms.