The pH, temperature, and NaCl concentration ranges for growth were determined using basal medium supplemented with 20 mM glucose. The different pH (5–9) of the medium were adjusted by injecting in Hungate tubes aliquots of anaerobic stock solution of 0.1 M HCl (acidic pH), 10% NaHCO3, or 8% Na2CO3 (basic pH). Water baths were used for incubating bacterial cultures from 45 to 90°C. NaCl requirement was determined by directly weighing NaCl in Hungate tubes before dispensing medium. Cultures were subcultured at least twice under the same experimental conditions before determination of growth rates and use of substrates.