The effect of carbon dioxide on bacteria growth

Abstract

Growth of a number of bacteria in presence of different amts. of CO2 (5%-100%), at 0[degree], 10[degree], 25[degree], and 37[degree] C, showed that, in general, it exercises an inhibitory action on growth, varying from complete inhibition in some cases to an almost negligible effect in others. At temp. below opt. for growth the influence is invariably more marked. In 20% CO2 at 0[degree], growth of bacteria responsible for spoilage of fresh fish is almost completely inhibited. Alteration by CO2 of pH of me-dium does not suffice to explain results. A marked intra-cellular change in pH may result from the high permeability of living cells to CO*; interference with cell enzyme systems may also be a contributory factor.