Open AccessEnrichment and characterisation of sulfate‐reducing bacteria from sandstone rock cores from the UK Continental shelf
Author(s) -
Phillips Lisa E,
LappinScott Hilary M
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
fems microbiology reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.91
H-Index - 212
eISSN - 1574-6976
pISSN - 0168-6445
DOI - 10.1111/j.1574-6976.1997.tb00326.x
Subject(s) - bacteria , continental shelf , sulfate , propionate , sulfate reducing bacteria , geology , mineralogy , chemistry , oceanography , paleontology , biochemistry , organic chemistry
A fresh sandstone core was extracted during drilling of an exploration well within a United Kingdom Continental Shelf oilfield at a depth of approximately 1000 m. Scanning electron microscopy of the rock core revealed cell‐like structures attached to the sandstone grains. Microbiological analysis demonstrated that the inner core was not sterile but contained sulfate‐reducing bacteria and other anaerobes. One enrichment culture of sulfate‐reducing bacteria (denoted EX306), was chosen for further study. Enrichments of EX306 showed that it was comprised of a tightly knit group of three different bacteria which continued as a stable community despite repeated subculturing for over 2 years. EX306 was able to utilise pyruvate‐producing acetate and propionate as metabolites, growth was optimal at 55°C.