Production of Hydrogen Sulfide by Streptomycetes and Methods for its Detection

The ability of streptomycetes to produce hydrogen sulfide is generally used for taxonomic purposes. It was found that the previously used method, the blackening of Peptone Iron Agar, does not clearly indicate formation of hydrogen sulfide. It was shown that the blackening of a lead acetate strip is the most accurate indicator for H(2)S-producing streptomycetes. A great variety of organic and inorganic sulfur compounds were examined and compared, and the choice of the most suitable sulfur source and method for the detection of hydrogen sulfide is discussed.