Effect of culture conditions on the formation of struvite by Myxococcus xanthus

The amount of struvite (MgNH4PO4. 6H(2)O) produced by Myxococcus xanthus as well as the culture parameter values (pH, total phosphorus, total Kjeldahl nitrogen) were dependent on the culture medium used. Struvite formation st arted during the exponential phase and the maximum concentration was observ ed at the beginning of stationary growth phase. The addition of each medium component to the liquid culture influenced the amount of crystal produced. This amount did not depend on the pH increase during the culture period. T he moment of the bacterial growth phase, at which each medium component was added, influenced the struvite formation. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. A ll rights reserved.