The ability of sulfate-reducing bacteria of various taxonomic groups to synthesize extracellular hydrocarbons

Abstract

Sulfate-reducing bacteria of various taxonomic groups were found to synthesize extracellular hydrocarbons during growth on lactate in an atmosphere of H2 + CO2. The most active producers of hydrocarbons were sulfate-reducing bacteria bringing about incomplete oxidation of lactate. Hydrocarbons produced were normal or isomeric alkanes with a chain length from C11 to C24.