Three thermophilic cellulolytic fungi, Chaetomium thermophile var. coprophile, Sporotrichum thermophile, and Thermoascus aurantiacus were studied to determine the conditions for a high rate of cellulose degradation. The range of temperature over which good growth occurred was determined first in a temperature gradient incubator; the optimum temperature was then established in shake flask cultures. T. aurantiacus had the highest optimum growth temperature range (46 to 51 C), whereas S. thermophile had the broadest range over which good growth occurred (36 to 43 C). Optimum temperatures for the three organisms, T. aurantiacus, S. Thermophile, and C. thermophile were 48, 40, and 40 C, respectively. It was found that the addition of an organic carbon and nitrogen source to a cellulose mineral solution medium markedly increased the rate of cellulose degradation. The surfactant, Tween 80, which has been reported to be of value in the production and recovery of the enzyme, cellulase, was shown to be detrimental to the degradation of cellulose in culture. In the medium used, S. thermophile gave the highest rate of substrate utilization; 56% of the cellulose was hydrolyzed in 72 h. The average degree of polymerization of cellulose decreased from 745 to 575.

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A simple mechanism of hydrocarbon uptake by microorganisms is examined. This model considers the presence of micelles of surface active agents as essential for growth of microbial cells on hydrocarbon substrates. Larger hydrocarbon droplets serving as reservoirs may also be present. Experimental results to support the model are presented. The results of others are explained on the basis of this model.

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Three thermophilic cellulolytic fungi, Chaetomium thermophile var. coprophile, Sporotrichum thermophile , and Thermoascus aurantiacus were studied to determine the conditions for a high rate of cellulose degradation. The range of temperature over which good growth occurred was determined first in a temperature gradient incubator; the optimum temperature was then established in shake flask cultures. T. aurantiacus had the highest optimum growth temperature range (46 to 51 C), whereas S. thermophile had the broadest range over which good growth occurred (36 to 43 C). Optimum temperatures for the three organisms, T. aurantiacus, S. Thermophile , and C. thermophile were 48, 40, and 40 C, respectively. It was found that the addition of an organic carbon and nitrogen source to a cellulose mineral solution medium markedly increased the rate of cellulose degradation. The surfactant, Tween 80, which has been reported to be of value in the production and recovery of the enzyme, cellulase, was shown to be detrimental to the degradation of cellulose in culture. In the medium used, S. thermophile gave the highest rate of substrate utilization; 56% of the cellulose was hydrolyzed in 72 h. The average degree of polymerization of cellulose decreased from 745 to 575.

Figure 1, which was inadvertently not printed previously, appears below.

Utilization of n-heptane by a Pseudomonad was studied in pilot-size batch cultures. Optimal pH and temperature were determined by a factorial design and a medium based upon mineral uptake rates was formulated. High cell yields were obtained by volatilizing heptane in the incoming air and thereby achieving good hydrocarbon dispersion. Hydrocarbon carried by effluent gases was recovered and recycled. I n cultures where pH is not controlled, decrease in the electrolytic conductivity of the medium was found to be indicative of viable cells and was used in monitoring bacterial propagation. If not checked, increase in salinity in pH controlled cultures was found to affect cell production negatively. Viscosity changes were not very significant. Heptane to aqueous medium ratio was found to affect oxygen supply to the system due to higher dissolved oxygen concentrations associated with hydrocarbons. 417