Iron Oxidizing Medium (Twin pack) is recommended for the isolation, cultivation and enrichment of Thiobacillus ferroxidans. Magnesium sulphate, ammonium sulphate, potassium chloride and calcium nitrate in the medium are sources of ions that stimulate metabolism. Dipotassium phosphate buffers the medium. On preparation, medium is opalescent due to slight precipitate and is green in colour. Thiobacillus ferrooxidans grows luxuriantlly on the medium by utilizing ferrous sulphate as energy source. An increase of deep orange brown colour as compared to uninoculated controls in positive enrichment tubes or flasks indicates growth. T. ferroxidans can also be enumerated by MPN technique.
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