INFLUENCE OF BASIC AND ACIDIC IONS ON THE FORMATION OF 2, 3-BUTANEDIOL BY SERRATIA MARCESCENS

Abstract

1. Zinc and mercury ions appeared to be toxic to Serratia marcescens; copper, nickel, iodide and bromide ions interefered with the production of 2, 3-butanediol by these organisms.
2. Iron and molybdenum ions exerted a beneficial effect on 2, 3-butanediol formation but with increased consumption of sugar.
3. Sulphide and borate ions decrease the formation; and thiosulphate and and sulphite cut the formation of the diol per 100 ml of the culture to one-half.