[Bacterial interaction in a culture containing Pseudomonas and Mycobacterium in relation to hydrocarbon oxidation]

An experimental association of Pseudomonas and Mycobacterium was employed for a more complete oxidation of a hydrocarbon substrate. The maximum effect of combined cultivation (74% vs. 50 and 47% in the pure cultures of Mycobacterium and Pseudomonas, respectively) was obtained under steady-state conditions. The result is attributed to the processes of co-oxidation and the physiological properties of the microorganisms.