CULTIVATION IN A CARBON DIOXIDE-ENRICHED ATMOSPHERE

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the cultivation in a carbon dioxide-enriched atmosphere. A few bacteria will grow only in an atmosphere containing a high concentration of carbon dioxide, and others, although capable of growing in ordinary air, can grow better in a carbon dioxide-enriched atmosphere. It is easy to provide a carbon dioxide-enriched atmosphere in the laboratory. The Petri-dish or test-tube cultures are placed in a half-size biscuit tin together with a large open test-tube containing about 15 ml of 2N hydrochloric acid. A marble chip of 1–1.2 g is dropped into the acid and the tin lid is put in place. The lid is sealed with cello tape. The marble will react with the hydrochloric acid to give a concentration of about 5 percent of carbon dioxide inside the tin.