INFLUENCE OF ALUMINUM ON MOTILITY AND SWARMING OF PSEUDOMONAS SP. ANDARTHROBACTER SP

The effect of Al on the motility and the swarming of Pseudomonas sp. a nd Arthrobacter sp. was investigated. pH calibration curves were deter mined in semi-solid agar which enabled us to distinguish between the e ffects of aluminum and protons. Motility of the bacteria was distinctl y influenced by Al but this effect could be attributed to the increase d acidity accompanying Al addition. The swarming of Pseudomonas sp. is reported for the first time. The swarming ability decreased with both Al and HCl addition to the medium but the obstruction due to aluminum was significantly stronger than the influence of HCl.