• KSBB Journal
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.449-455
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• 1998

The bacterial motility in sand was studied with Alcaligenes xylosoxidans Y234 which is known as a strong decomposer of aromatic chemicals, especially toluene. Apparent motility coefficient (${\mu}$c,app) and apparent chemotaxis coefficient (${\mu}$c,app) for toluene were measured in the sands which have four different porosities. Adsorption ratio of Alcaligenes xylosoxidans Y234 on the sands was measured as 17%. The ramdom motility coefficients were 0.85∼1.68${\times}$10-3$\textrm{cm}^2$/sec, and decreased as the porosity of sands decreased. Apparent chemotaxis coefficients were measured as 1.1∼6.8${\times}$10-5$\textrm{cm}^2$/sec, and decreased as the porosity decreased and with time. The tendency of alcaligenes xylosoxidans Y234 movement towards toluene seemed very weak and showed little chemotaxis.