NATURE AND OCCURRENCE OF SULFOXIDIZING BACTERIA IN BAREGINE DEVELOPING IN SULFURATED THERMAL WATERS AT BAREGES (FRANCE)

An attempt is made to define the nature of the 'baregine', a whitish m ucilaginous complex found in the thermal waters of the village of Bare ges, Hautes-Pyrenees, France, and the organisms responsible for its fo rmation. In sulfurated waters, a Thiobacterium-like micro-organism pro duces this substance. It uses reduced sulfur as a source of energy. Fi lamentous species of Thiothrix, often indicated as the main element of baregine, are only part of an accompanying flora in this medium.