THE INFLUENCE OF BENTONITE AND ATTAPULGITE ON THE RESPIRATION OF BACILLUS SUBTILIS

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Abstract
The influence of bentonite and attapulgite particles smaller than bacterial cells on the respiration of Bacillus subtilis was measured in a Warburg apparatus under conditions permitting adsorption of clay particles on the bacterial cells. At low concentration, there was a reduction in the respiration rate accompanied by the formation of large aggregates of bacteria in the suspension. Both the respiration and aggregation were intensified by higher shaking rate of the Warburg apparatus. At high concentrations of bentonite, there was a rise in the respiration rate. This was accompanied by a complete dispersion of the bacteria in suspension. Sodium attapulgite had no influence on the aggregation and respiration of the bacteria as long as the respiration vessels were shaken. At rest, large aggregates of bacteria were formed by the addition of attapulgite and the oxygen uptake of the bacteria was reduced. These results are discussed with respect to the influence of the clays on the state of aggregation of the bacteria.

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