Characterization of iron-reducing Alteromonas putrefaciens strains from oil field fluids

Abstract

Gram-negative, aerobic bacteria capable of facultative growth using ferric ions or thiosulfate or sulfite as electron acceptors were readily isolated from oil field fluids. Morphological and biochemical data are presented which support the classification of these isolates as being strains of Alteromonas putrefaciens (mol% G + C in the range 42–56%). The isolates expressed a range of halotolerance and temperature tolerance as some would grow in the presence of 7.5% NaCl and some grew well at 4 °C. These physiological characteristics, together with the ability to produce ferrous ions and sulfide and their ubiquitous presence in oil field fluids, indicate that these bacteria could contribute to the corrosion of metal in the oil field environment.