THE EFFECT OF HYDROGEN ION CONCENTRATION ON THE PRODUCTION OF CARBON DIOXIDE BY BACILLUS BUTYRICUS AND BACILLUS SUBTILIS

Abstract

1. The maximum rate of CO2 production of Bacillus butyricus was found to be at a pH value of 7; of Bacillus subtilis at pH 6.8. If the pH value be raised or lowered there is a progressive decrease in the rate of production of CO2. 2. Spontaneous recovery follows the addition of alkali to either organism, while addition of acid is followed by recovery only upon addition of an equivalent amount of alkali, and is not complete except when the amount of acid is very small.