Exposure of Microorganisms to Low Concentrations of Various Pollutants

Abstract

A technique for exposing microorganisms to air-borne toxicants was developed. Serratia marcescens were exposed to irradiated atmosphere of clean air, NO₂ at 0.5 ppm, hexene-1 at 2 ppm, and NO₂ + hexene-1. Only those containing NO₂ differed significantly from clean air, suggesting that hexene-1 played no major roles. The technique has inherent difficulties, limiting its application pending further development.