In the study, phytase was purified in three simple steps comprising ammonium sulphate precipitation, anion exchange and gel filtration chromatography from Weissella halotolerans. The enzyme was obtained with a specific activity of 227.73 EU/mg and 6.52% recovery. The molecular mass of the enzyme was determined to be 41.52 kDa. The optimum pH and temperature for the enzyme were 6.0 and 50°C, respectively. Furthermore, the effects of metal ions on the enzyme were investigated. Ag+ , Zn2+, Cr2+ and Fe2+ ions inhibited phytase by 21.86, 25.63, 32.82 and 90.43%, respectively, whereas Co2+, Cu2+, Pb2+, Cd2+ ve Mn2+ ions increased the enzyme activity.
