Utilization of Cathodic Hydrogen by Desulfovibrio vulgaris (Hildenborough)

Department of Microbiology, Marischal College, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB9 1AS, UK ABSTRACT Summary: Desulfovibrio vulgaris (Hildenborough) can grow on acetate plus CO 2 as carbon source with H 2 as the sole source of energy. The capability of sulphate reducers to oxidize H 2 has been proposed as a major factor in the anaerobic corrosion of metals. Utilization by D. vulgaris of cathodic hydrogen from a mild steel electrode was demonstrated electrochemically and physiologically. D. vulgaris depolarized the metal electrode and growth on acetate under N 2 /CO 2 was dependent on the presence of the electrode. Although the highest corrosion rate was observed under aerobic conditions, D. vulgaris significantly increased the corrosion rate under anaerobic conditions. Present address: Phillips Universität, FB Biologie, D-3550 Marburg, FRG.