Thiocyanate utilization by an Arthrobacter

Abstract

An Arthrobacter species, which utilized thiocyanate (SCN−) as a nitrogen source, was isolated from soil by the enrichment culture method. The organism tolerated SCN− concentrations up to 0.1 M. On addition of nitrate or ammonium ion to cultures of the isolate growing in the presence of SCN−, the organism continued to degrade SCN−. Degradation could be followed by release of 14CO2 from SCN−(14C). The SCN−-degrading activity diminished to low levels as the stationary phase of growth was approached.