African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 6 (11), pp. 1343-1347, 4 June 2007   

ISSN 1684–5315 © 2007 Academic Journals        

Full Length Research Paper

Influence of divalent metal ions on degradation of dimethylsulphide by intact cells of Thiobacillus thioparus TK-m

A. Adoki

Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited. E-mail: akuro.adoki@shell.com.

Accepted 16 May, 2007

Dimethylsulphide degradation by intact cells of Thiobacillus thioparus TK-m was stimulated by the addition of divalent metal ions (Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺ > Mn²⁺). Mixtures of divalent ions were also found to be stimulatory with the exception of the Ca²⁺ + Mn²⁺ combination (Mg²⁺ + Mn²⁺ > Mg²⁺ + Ca²⁺ > Ca²⁺ + Mn²⁺).

Key words: Thiobacillus thioparus Tk-m, dimethyl sulphide, divalent metal ions, degradation.