[Effect of oxygen containing C1 compounds on the growth of methane-assimilating bacteria]

Added C1-compounds of the intermediates methanol, formaldehyde, formate and carbon dioxide show a catalytic effect on the growth rate and cell yield of CH4-assimilating bacteria GB 25 with serine pathway. Maximum stimulation is obtained by added amounts of about 20 mg C1-compound/g bacteria dry matter. The influence of C1-compounds decreases as follows: methanol greater than carbon dioxide greater than formate greater than formaldehyde.