The Evaluation of Media used to Enumerate Sulphate Reducing Bacteria

Abstract
Summary.: Several media were used to enumerate bacteria in cultures of Desulfovibrio vulgaris, the most suitable being a modification of Iron Sulphite Agar (Oxoid). This medium was also suitable for the enumeration of D. desulfuricans and, with extra salt, D. salexigens. Cultures of D. africanus and D. gigas were enumerated in a lactate‐sulphate agar medium which gave higher counts than similar media described in the literature. These media were suitable for counting the organisms in pure and mixed cultures. Neither of these media can be used successfully to enumerate Desulfotomaculum spp.