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Bacteria and algae isolated from a wastewater oxidation pond were inoculated onto opposing surfaces of double-layer agar plates (Lutri plates) to determine the usefulness of such plates for studying microbial interactions. The altered growth characteristics of various algae depending on the species of bacteria on the adjacent medium surface indicated that there was diffusion of extracellular products through the agar, suggesting that this simple assay can be used for screening potential interactions of actively growing organisms.

SummarySix soil isolates were grown on a petroleum sulfonate medium and analyzed chromatographically to determine their amino acid composition. The organisms were also examined to determine their growth rate in the petroleum medium, their per cent conversion of hydrocarbon to dry cell mass, their protein content, and their possible use as a food or food Supplement. It was found that the isolates varied extensively as to their amino acid composition. Several of the isolates proved to convert the hydrocarbons to cell mass with relative ease. The proteins of four of the isolates appear to be suitable as a good food source, and the protein of one of the remaining isolates appears to be a very good food supplement.