Possible nonanthropogenic origin of two methanogenic isolates from oil‐producing wells in the san miguelito field, ventura county, California

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Abstract
Two novel strains of rod‐shaped methanogens were isolated from oil‐producing wells of high temperature and moderate salinity in the San Miguelito field. The strains grow at 65°C in media containing 6% NaCl, form large aggregates of cell materials in liquid culture, and produce methane from H2 and CO2 only. The geochemistry and microbiology of the oil reservoir and surrounding areas support the view that not all methanogens isolated from oil wells are results of colonization during or after human exploration, and that methanogens can exist in situ under thermal, haline conditions.