RESUMO
The inhibitory effect of several first transition metal ions on growth and pigment formation on three strains of Serratia marcescens was studied by the method of minimal inhibitory concentration. From this study it can be concluded that several of the first transition metal ions, namely Cr (II), Mn (II), Fe (II), Co (II) and Cu (II), with the inclusion of Zn (II), have a definite inhibitory effect on both growth (strains 08, WF, 933) and pigment formation (strain 08) of Serratia marcescens. Based on their electron configuration and their effectiveness, these first transition metal ions can be divided into two groups: Cr (II), Mn (II), Fe (II) and Co (II), Ni (II), Cu (II) and Zn (II). Several suggestions were made to explain their inhibitory actions.
