Hydrogenophilaceae

Encyclopedia : H : HY : HYD : Hydrogenophilaceae

The Hydrogenophilaceae are a small family of Proteobacteria, with two genera. Hydrogenophilus are thermophilic, growing around 50 °C and obtaining their energy from oxidizing hydrogen. The genus Thiobacillus, redefined to include only those species included among the beta proteobacteria, is also included. Other members of Thiobacillus were transferred to Acidithiobacillus, Halothiobacillus and Thermithiobacillus, now placed in other families.

Thiobacillus is also used in pest control, e.g. potato scabs, the potato scabs cannot tolerate acid conditions. If an affected area is treated with sulphur and thiobacillus, the bacterium will oxidise the sulphur to sulphuric acid, which will destroy the pest.

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