Abstract
A method for screening of short-chain chlorinated-hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria is described. It uses as a criterium for selection the liberation of protons and change in color of a pH indicator rather than growth on the compound as sole carbon source. The usefulness of indicator plates is demonstrated with several bacteria, known to degrade certain chlorinated hydrocarbons. Bacteria-degrading volatile compounds can be isolated with a medium containing a second carbon source. A correlation between proton liberation and liberation of chloride or disappearance of 2-chloroethanol from the medium is demonstrated as an example. The method should be useful in isolating bacteria for the decontamination of respective commodities.
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Strotmann, U., Röschenthaler, R. A method for screening bacteria: Aerobically degrading chlorinated short-chain hydrocarbons. Current Microbiology 15, 159–163 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01577266
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01577266