The taxonomy of some new isolates of dissimilatory sulfate-reducing bacteria

Abstract

The interrelationships between 92 isolates of sporing and non-sporing sulfate-reducing bacteria were determined. Of the 116 biochemical and physiological characteristics examined, only 25 were useful for discrimination of groups. Responses to most of the tests were negative. A similarity coefficient and a principal component factor analysis of these data were made. The deoxyribonucleic acids buoyant densities (DNA) from all strains and the electrophoretic properties of adenylylsulfotransferase (ATP-sulfurylase), adenylphosphosulfate (APS)-reductase, and sulfite reductase of selected isolates were determined. On the basis of these various data eight groups were recognized. Isolates of seven of these groups appeared to be similar to one or more named strains. Isolates of group E (DNA buoyant density, 1.708) were different from previously named strains. Sporing strains were not isolated from the Papua New Guinea location. Halophilic and non-halotolerant strains were isolated from highly saline locations in Australia.Results pertinent to the taxonomy and ecology of the sulfate-reducing bacteria are discussed.