Assimilatory reduction of sulfate and sulfite by methanogenic bacteria. [Methanococcus thermolithotrophicus; Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum]
A variety of sulfur-containing compounds were investigated for use as medium reductants and sulfur sources for growth of four methanogenic bacteria. Sulfide (1 to 2 mM) served all methanogens investigated well. Methanococcus thermolithotrophicus and Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum Marburg and ..delta..H grew well with S/sup 0/, SO/sub 3//sup 2 -/, or thiosulfate as the sole sulfur source. Only Methanococcus thermolithotrophicus was able to grow with SO/sub 4//sup 2 -/ as the sole sulfur source. 2-Mercaptoethanol at 20 mM was greatly inhibitory to growth of Methanococcus thermolithotrophicus on SO/sub 4//sup 2 -/ or SO/sub 3//sup 2 -/ and Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum Marburg on SO/sub 3//sup 2 -/ but not to growth of strain ..delta..H on SO/sub 3//sup 2 -/. Sulfite was metabolized during growth by Methanococcus thermolithotrophicus. Sulfide was produced in cultures of Methanococcus thermolithotrophicus growing on SO/sub 4//sup 2 -/, SO/sub 3//sup 2 -/, thiosulfate, and S/sup 0/. Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum Marburg was successfully grown in a 10-liter fermentor with S/sup 0/, SO/sub 3//sup 2 -/, or thiosulfate as the sole sulfur source.
- Research Organization:
- Univ. of Iowa, Iowa City
- OSTI ID:
- 5732004
- Journal Information:
- Appl. Environ. Microbiol.; (United States), Journal Name: Appl. Environ. Microbiol.; (United States) Vol. 51:4; ISSN AEMID
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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