Methanococcus thermolithotrophicus isolated from North Sea oil field reservoir water

Abstract

Methanococcus thermolithotrophicus ST22 was isolated from produced water of a North Sea oil field, on mineral medium with H2-CO2 as the sole source of carbon and energy. The isolate grew at 17 to 62°C, with an optimum at 60°C. The pH range was 4.9 to 9.8, with optimal growth at pH 5.1 to 5.9; these characteristics reflected its habitat. Strain ST22 was quickly identified and distinguished from the type strain by immunoblotting.