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Principle
- Sulfate-reducing agar (Starkey's medium) is formulated as per APHA (2005). Media is composed of tryptone, soya peptone, sodium chloride, magnesium sulphate, ferrous ammonium sulfate, agar, and sodium lactate.
- Tryptone and soya peptone provide nitrogen, amino acids, and long-chain peptides for the growth of microorganisms. Sodium chloride maintains the osmotic balance. Magnesium sulfate and Ferrous ammonium sulfate provide essential ions for the growth of sulfate-reducing bacteria.
- Ferrous sulfate is the source of sulfate and also aids in the detection of sulfate-reducing bacteria by forming black color around the colonies. Sodium lactate is an energy source, fermented under anaerobic conditions to produce hydrogen and carbon dioxide.
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