DISTRIBUTION OF METHANOGENS IN MARINE-SEDIMENTS

Species composition and population density of methanogens in bottom sediments of coastal regions of the Sea of Japan, Cuba, and Yankich Island (Northern Kuriles) were investigated using 10 polyclonal immune serums specific for various species of methanogenic bacteria. The study revealed a considerable diversity of species, the number of different species found in some sediments being as high as 7. Natural habitats of the encountered methanogens were characterized by wider intervals of temperature and pH than those known as optimal for the pure cultures. Methanogens most frequent in marine sediments used CO2, H-2, and methylamines. The number of methanogens in silt reached 10(4) - 10(6) cells per ml.