UPTAKE OF VOLATILE N-ALKANES BY PSEUDOMONASPG-1

Using a bacterial species Pseudomonas PG-1, evidence has been obtained which indicates that uptake of no-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 of 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 or hydrocarbon solubilization by the cells, inhibited growth on these two alkanes but had negligible effect on growth on n-pentane to n-octane.