THE EFFECTS OF PH, IONIC-STRENGTH AND ORGANIC-PHASE ON THE BACTERIAL ADHESION TO HYDROCARBONS (BATH) TEST

The effects of pH, ionic strength of suspending buffer and choice of o rganic phase upon the subsequent adherence of E. coli to organic phase in the bacterial adherence to hydrocarbons (BATH) test were investiga ted. It was found that both pH and ionic strength altered adherence of E. coli and the organic phase employed for the BATH test influenced t he classification of adherence. Generally, E. coli showed pronounced a ffinity for chloroform and dichloromethane, and only intermediate affi nity for xylene. Lowering pH and increasing the ionic strength of the suspending buffer resulted in increased adherence.