A bacterial strain (MD 124) isolated from municipal garbage and identi
fied as Bacillus sp. was found to be capable of producing salt toleran
t and thermostable alpha-amylase. Rhamnose and peptone were found to b
e the best carbon and nitrogen source for the production of enzyme. Th
e pH and temperature optima for the enzyme activity were found to be a
t 6 and 90 degrees C. Seventy five per cent enzyme activity was retain
ed in 5 M NaCl over 24 hrs.