Abstract
C. lacto-acetophilum was isolated from a variety of soils following enrichment on a lactate-yeast extract medium. The decomposition of lactate and glycerol by this organism is dependent upon the presence and utilization of acetate which acts as an oxidizing agent. Pyruvate and glucose can be decomposed in the absence of added acetate since with these substrates acetate formation exceeds acetate utilization. Carbon balances are reported for the fermentations of lactate-acetate, pyruvate and glucose.