Acidophilic Organisms

Acidophilic Organisms

 

organisms which require a significant acidity of the environment. Acidophilic bacteria include acetic-acid bacteria which grow well in a medium having a pH of 3.3; lactic bacteria which live on milk substrates (a medium with a pH of 3.4); and chemoautotrophic bacteria which oxidize sulfur in ores to sulfuric acid and multiply with a pH of 1–2. Acidophilic bacteria are of great practical significance in producing acetic acid, in the dairy industry, in the silaging of feed, and in other processes. Acidophilic organisms also include certain higher plants such as sphagnum, heather, lupine, and other calcifuges.