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Physiologically anaerobic microorganisms of the deep subsurface. Final performance report, June 1, 1990--August 31, 1993

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/10108972· OSTI ID:10108972
Anaerobic bacteria were isolated from deep subsurface sediment samples taken at study sites in Idaho (INEL) and Washington (HR) by culturing on dilute and concentrated medium. Morphologically distinct colonies were purified, and their responses to 21 selected physiological tests were determined. Although the number of isolates was small (18 INEL, 27 HR) some general patterns could be determined. Most strains could utilize all the carbon sources, however the glycerol and melizitose utilization was positive for 50% or less of the HR isolates. Catalase activity (27.78% at INEL, 74.07% at HR) and tryptophan metabolism (11.12% at INEL, 40.74% at HR) were significantly different between the two study sites. MPN and viable counts indicate that sediments near the water table yield the greatest numbers of anaerobes. Deeper sediments also appear to be more selective with the greatest number of viable counts on low-nutrient mediums. Likewise, only strictly obligate anaerobes were found in the deepest sediment samples. Selective media indicated the presence of methanogens, acetogens, and sulfate reducers at only the HR site.
Research Organization:
Memphis State Univ., TN (United States). Dept. of Biology
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
FG05-90ER60991
OSTI ID:
10108972
Report Number(s):
DOE/ER/60991--T3; ON: DE94004417; BR: KP0203000
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English