Growth of nitrobacter in the absence of dissolved oxygen

Abstract

Results of pure culture experiments indicate that Nitrobacter is capable of growing effectively in the absence of dissolved oxygen. Various strains of Nitrobacter were able to use nitrate as an electron acceptor, and soluble organic substances as a carbon source. Oxygen permeable membranes of silicone rubber material were exposed to an anoxic growth medium. A two layer, aerobic/anoxic pure culture biofilm developed at the surface of the silicone membrane. Nitrite inhibition of the anoxically growing cells was controlled by nitrite oxidizing cells living at the membrane surface.