Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Experimental Column Setup for Studying Anaerobic Biogeochemical Interactions Between Iron (Oxy)Hydroxides, Trace Elements, and Bacteria
Published on: December 19, 2017
SULFATE REQUIREMENT FOR IRON OXIDATION BY THIOBACILLUS FERROOXIDANS
1British Columbia Research Council, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Abstract:
Lazaroff, Norman (British Columbia Research Council, Vancouver, B.C., Canada). Sulfate requirement for iron oxidation by Thiobacillus ferrooxidans. J. Bacteriol. 85:78-83. 1963.-The growth of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans is initially inhibited in media containing ferrous chloride in place of ferrous sulfate. This inhibition of growth is due to the requirement of a high relative proportion of sulfate ions to chloride (or other anions) for iron oxidation. Adaptation takes place, producing strains which are able to oxidize iron in media containing an initially unfavorable anionic composition. Adaptation is possibly due to the selection of spontaneous mutants capable of oxidizing iron in high chloride, low sulfate media. Such cells are found at a frequency of 10(-5) of the population of unadapted cultures.
Related Concept Videos
Sulfur Assimilation
Microbes and Other Elemental Cycles
Microbes and the Sulfur Cycle
Microbial Nutrition
Acid Mine Drainage
Microbial Leaching
