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A Pseudomonas sp. isolated from crude oil reduced ferric ions (Fe(III)) to ferrous ions (Fe(II)). In the presence of nitrate (NO3-) after prolonged incubation, the amount of Fe(II) was lower than in its absence. However, during short incubation periods, the presence of NO3- significantly increased (99.5% confidence limit) the amount of Fe(II) produced. The decrease in Fe(II) on prolonged incubation was associated with increased production and accumulation of nitrite (NO2-). Under low NO3- levels, where the production of NO2- was limited, a decrease in NO2- concentration was accompanied by an increase in Fe(II) production to levels comparable with those obtained in the absence of NO3-. Preinduction of cells for nitrate reductase, which favoured rapid NO2- production, resulted in a more rapid decrease in Fe(II) production than in cells that were not preinduced. It is proposed that the inhibitory effect of NO3- on microbial reduction of Fe(III) is due to a secondary reaction, which involves the chemical oxidation of Fe(II) by NO2-.

Cells of a pseudomonad associated with pipeline corrosion grown on a complex medium were orange in color and vigorously reduced ferric iron. The intensity of orange color of cells grown on a synthetic medium and their ability to reduce ferric iron was directly related to the iron content of the medium. Absorption spectrophotometric data show a direct relationship between color of cells, cytochrome content, and ability to reduce ferric iron. Carbon monoxide markedly, but not completely, inhibits the reduction of ferric iron. The data presented indicate that ferric iron can serve as a terminal electron acceptor for cytochrome-associated respiratory processes of this corrosive pseudomonad.

HighlightsOrganosulfur compounds promote biosurfactants production when provided as sulfur sources.Quantitative and qualitative changes in biosurfactants production depending on the sulfur source.Simultaneous production of biosurfactants and biodesulfurization.

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Changes which occur on the surface of mild steel coupons submerged in cultures of an Fe(III)-reducing bacterium, isolated from corroded pipe systems carrying crude oil, were studied microscopically to investigate the interaction between the corrosion-causing bacterium and the corroding mild steel coupon. Under microaerobic conditions and in the absence of the bacteria, a dense, crystalline, amorphous coat formed on the surface of the steel coupons. In the presence of bacteria the surface coat was extensively removed, exposing the bare metal to the environment. After about 2 weeks of exposure, the removal of the surface coating was followed by colonization of the metal surface by the bacteria. Colonization was mediated by fibrous, exopolysaccharidic material formed by the bacteria. Extension of studies to other bacteria isolated from crude oil and corroded pipes reveals that the formation of exopolysaccharide fibers and possession of adherent properties are common characteristics of bacteria from crude oil systems.

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