Isolation and characterization of n-butane-utilizing microorganisms

Abstract

Fifteen bacterial strains and four molds capable of growth on n-butane were isolated and partially classified. The bacteria were mostly Arthrobacter sp. and Brevibacterium sp.; among the molds, Penicillium nigricans, Allescheria boydii, and Graphium cumeiferum were identified, while the remaining mold had the appearance of Gliocladium, but was not firmly identified. Although able to grow on other alkanes and orthodox media, the bacterial isolates could not use methane. Growth rates on n-butane were unaffected by varying air or substrate partial pressures in the range of 10–90% atmosphere. High partial pressure of oxygen was inhibitory to most bacterial isolates, the degree of inhibition varying widely, however. Growth rates on n-butanol and on glucose were significantly higher than those on n-butane. Among the molds, only the Graphium would grow well in submerged, shaking culture.