Heterotrophic bacterial growth and the chemical composition of dissolved organic matter (DOM) produced by bacteria from freshwater and marine environments were monitored during experiments with artificial media containing glucose as the sole carbon source. Glucose was quickly consumed, and DOM was released during bacterial growth. Percentages of extracellular release of DOM from bacteria ranged...

Most hypogean environments particularly caves, are characterized by a stable temperature, usually in the range of 10±15 ± C, and high relative humidity. These ecosystems, when an allochthonous input of organic matter is present, seem to favor the growth of heterotrophic bacteria, from which actinomycetes predominate. Streptomyces species are particularly abundant and, in some cases, can be foun...

Acidophilic, heterotrophic bacteria isolated from acidic mine effluent metabolised a range of aliphatic compounds. Aliphatic acids, which are normally thought to be toxic to acidophiles, were utilised as substrates for energy and growth by these bacteria. This biodegradative ability, concomitant with their tolerance of heavy metals, has demonstrated the potential for using these organisms for t...