Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

A Set of In Situ Informed Simulated Medium Formats for Culturing Environmentally Acquired Anaerobic Microorganisms
Published on: January 12, 2024
Improvements in and environmental applications of double-vial radiorespirometry for the study of microbial
V L McKinley1, T W Federle, J R Vestal
1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221.
Abstract:
Several variations in the scintillation mixture and the filter paper arrangements for double-vial radiorespirometry were compared. Improved efficiencies (44%) and shorter response times were found by adding wetting agents and methanolic NaOH to the scintillation mixture in the filter paper. The scintillation chemicals used did not contain dioxane and were found to be nontoxic to the test microbiota in this system. Covering the inner reaction vial with aluminum foil minimized the reduction in counting efficiency when testing colored or dense environmental samples. Mineralization rates were determined with C-labeled glucose, acetate, and glutamate and [C]cellulose- and [C]lignin-labeled lignocellulose for composting cow manure, forest soil, and arctic lake sediment microbiota. This improved method can be used in a variety of procedures involving the measurement of microbial mineralizations of organic compounds. Since no liquid scintillation cocktail is used for counting, the radioactive wastes are aqueous or can be incinerated, making disposal easy.
Related Concept Videos
Environmental Applications of Microorganisms
Microbial Bioremediation of Hydrocarbons
Microbial Bioremediation of Uranium
Microbial Growth Measurement: Indirect Methods
