Physiological profile of nitrogen-fixation by Azomones macrocytogenes

ABSTRACT

The N[2]fixing efficiency of Azomonas macrocytogenes is markedly affected by the volume of the culture medium as well as by the rate of shaking. The organism exhibits its highest N[2]fixing potentiality when grown in 250 ml Erlenmeyer flask containing 150 ml medium and shaked at 100 rpm. The optimal pH value for N[2]fixation is achieved with the medium adjusted to pH 5.8 using phosphate buffer. Maximal total N[2]fixed as well as the efficiency of N[2]fixation are achieved after 8 days of incubation. A low glucose level [5g/1] permits high values of total N[2]fixed and efficiency of N[2]fixation. The addition of sodium succinate [2g/1] supports better total N[2]fixed as well as higher N[2]fixing efficiency