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Differential media for sulphur bacteria
Author(s) -
Postgate J. R.
Publication year - 1959
Publication title -
journal of the science of food and agriculture
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 142
eISSN - 1097-0010
pISSN - 0022-5142
DOI - 10.1002/jsfa.2740101206
Subject(s) - chemistry , sulfur , bacteria , sulfate reducing bacteria , ferrous , ammonium , anaerobic bacteria , slurry , agar , salt (chemistry) , inorganic chemistry , nuclear chemistry , sulfate , organic chemistry , biology , materials science , genetics , composite material
Abstract Sulphur bacteria in general are readily obtained as a crude ‘sulphuretum’ in Winogradsky's columns which consist of a slurry of powdered cellulose and gypsum beneath a mineral salt solution. Sulphate‐reducing bacteria are best detected in fluid media incubated anaerobically, containing lactate, sulphate, mineral salts and ferrous ammonium sulphate. Blackening due to FeS indicates sulphate reduction. A nutrient agar containing sodium sulphite and iron citrate has been used for Clostridium nigrificans. These media do not have appropriate E h values for optimum growth of the organisms and only detect them if large numbers are present. Quantitative procedures are only available for Desulphovibrio desulphuricans. Sulphur‐oxidising bacteria are best detected by the pH changes they induce in media of mineral salts and either elemental sulphur or sodium thiosulphate. Anaerobic sulphide‐oxidising bacteria are best obtained in illuminated media of mineral salts and H 2 S, incubated anaerobically. the initial pH value and sulphide concentration determine the type obtained. Aerobic sulphide‐oxidising bacteria are sometimes found in Winogradsky's columns, but effective differential media are not available.