Isolation and characterization of Acidithiobacillus caldus from several typical environments in China

Abstract

Six strains of moderately thermophilic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria were isolated from several different typical environments in China. The identities of the isolates were confirmed by analyses of their 16S rRNA genes, and some key physiological traits. The isolates are Gram negative, rod-shaped bacteria, their optimal temperature and pH value for growth are 45–50 °C and 2.5–3.5 respectively. They are autotrophic and used elemental sulfur, sodium thiosulfate and potassium tetrathionate as electron donor, while a little glucose stimulated their growth. 16S rDNA sequences analysis reveals that the strains are phylogenetically clustered to Acidithiobacillus caldus.

Keywords

acidothermophile / biochemical traits / 16S rDNA sequence / Acidithiobacillus caldus

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