Abstract
A yellow, gram-negative, non-sporeforming aerobic bacterium capable of utilizing oxalate as the sole source of carbon for growth was isolated from garden soil, for which the name, Bacterium oxalophilum, Takamiya et Kaneda is proposed.
Among a number of organic compounds investigated, oxalate was found to be the only compound which permits rapid growth. No growth factor is required. Fatty Acids such as acetic, propionic, and butyric, at a concentration of M/30, strongly inhibit the growth of this organism in the oxalate medium. The growth was also strongly inhibited by monoiodoacetic acid, but not markedly by such poisons as NaF, arsenate and arsenite. This organism is extremely aerophilic, the growth taking place only on the surface of a solid medium or within a limited depth below the surface of a liquid culture medium when no agitation is applied during incubation.
The oxidation of oxalate by the bacterial cells was investigated. Approximately 0.25 mole of oxygen is consumed and 1.75 moles of CO2 are evolved per mole of oxalic acid consumed.
The possible role of this organism in the breakdown of oxalate in the soil is discussed.
