Immunofluorescence approach to the study of the ecology of Thermoplasma acidophilum in coal refuse material

Journal Article · Mon Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1974 · Appl. Microbiol.; (United States)

OSTI ID:7358693

Bohlool, B B; Brock, T D

Specific immunofluorescence staining was applied to the study of the localization, distribution, and growth of Thermoplasma acidophilum in its natural habitat, the coal refuse pile. Different antigenic groups of T. acidophilum could be isolated from the same refuse pile, and the same antigenic groups were isolated from piles from different geographical areas. No correlation could be established between the antigenic groups and the pH or temperature of the habitats. Brightly fluorescing cells of T. acidophilum were detected on microscope slides buried in contact with the coal refuse material or immersed in the water in the stream draining a refuse pile. T. acidophilum grew when inoculated into either coal refuse material and/or an aqueous extract of coal refuse when incubated at its optimal temperature of 55/sup 0/C, but not when incubated at room temperature of 37/sup 0/C. The coal refuse pile appears to be a primary habitat for T. acidophilum.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison
• OSTI ID: 7358693
• Journal Information: Appl. Microbiol.; (United States), Journal Name: Appl. Microbiol.; (United States) Vol. 28:1; ISSN APMBA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

550700* -- Microbiology
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
ACID MINE DRAINAGE
BACTERIA
BIOMASS
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
COAL
DISTRIBUTION
ENERGY SOURCES
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
GROWTH
IMMUNOLOGY
MICROORGANISMS
MINERAL WASTES
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
SOLID WASTES
WASTES