Oxidation of Ammonia by Methane-oxidizing Bacteria and the Effects of Ammonia on Methane Oxidation

Abstract
Methylosinus trichosporium and Methylomonas albus were used. NH3 oxidation in both bacteria was inhibited by nitrite, stimulated by formate and inhibited by increased pH. The effect of methane on NH3 oxidation was complex, involving both stimulation and inhibition, but under similar conditions the degree of inhibition of methane oxidation by NH3 was considerably less in M. albus, as measured by O2 uptake or methane disappearance.