Uptake of volatile n-alkanes by Pseudomonas PG-I.

ABSTRACT

Using a bacterial species Pseudomonas PG-1, evidence has been obtained which indicates that uptake of n-pentane to n-octane by microbial cells takes place primarily from the gas phase either directly or via the aqueous phase. Specific growth rate increased along with the increase in substrate concentration but above the alkane concentration of 0·3% by volume, specific growth rate decreased indicating substrate inhibition of growth. In the case of less volatile alkanes, n-nonane and n-decane, substrate transfer is predominantly through substrate solubilization system elaborated by the cells. EDTA, a strong inhibitor of hydrocarbon solubilization by the cells, inhibited growth on these two alkanes but had negligible effect on growth on n-pentane to n-octane.