Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Prospecting Microbial Strains for Bioremediation and Probiotics Development for Metaorganism Research and Preservation
Published on: October 31, 2019
Competition between n-alkane-assimilating yeasts and bacteria during colonization of sandy soil microcosms
C Schmitz1, I Goebel, S Wagner
1Lehr- und Forschungsgebiet Angewandte Mikrobiologie, Institute für Biologie IV (Mikrobiolgie), RWTH Aachen, Germany.
Abstract:
An n-alkane-assimilating strain of Candida tropicalis was selected in sandy soil inoculated with microorganisms from contaminated sites. Competition experiments with n-alkane utilizers from different strain collections confirmed that yeasts overgrow bacteria in sandy soil. Acidification of the soil is one of the colonization factors useful for the yeasts. It can be counteracted by addition of bentonite, a clay mineral with high ion exchange capacity, but not, however, by kaolin. Strains of different yeast species showed different levels of competitiveness. Strains of Arxula adeninivorans, Candida maltosa, and Yarrowia lipolytica overgrew strains of C. tropicalis, C. shehatae or Pichia stipitis. Two strains of C. maltosa and Y. lipolytica coexisted during several serial transfers under microcosm conditions.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Microbial Interactions: Competition
Microbial Bioremediation of Hydrocarbons
Microbes in Food Production
Microbes in Beverage Production
Bioreactor Controls-III
Production of Alcohol

