ISSN:
1432-072X
Keywords:
Thiobacillus intermedius
;
Thiobacillus versutus
;
Thiosulfate
;
Polythionates
;
Ion-pair chromatography
;
Microcalorimetry
;
Biofilm
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract The growth of Thiobacillus (T.) intermedius strain K12 and Thiobacillus versutus strain DSM 582 on thiosulfate and tetrathionate was studied combining on-line measurements of metabolic activity and sulfur compound analysis. Most results indicate that T. intermedius oxidized thiosulfate via tetrathionate to sulfate. Concomittantly, sulfur compound intermediates like triand pentathionate were detectable. The formation is probably the result of highly reactive sulfane monosulfonic acids. The formation of tetrathionate allows the cells to buffer temporarily the proton excretion from sulfuric acid production. With T. versutus intermediate sulfur compounds were not detectable, however, sulfur was detectable. The possibility of a thiosulfate oxidation via dithionate, S2O inf6 sup2- , is discussed. The on-line measurement of metabolic activity by microcalorimetry enabled us to detect that cells of T. intermedius adhere to surfaces and produce a biofilm by a metabolic process whereas those of T. versutus fail to do so. The importance of the finding is discussed.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00276471
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