B. subtilis is a common saprophytic inhabitant of soils and
is thought to contribute to nutrient cycling due to the variety
of proteases and other enzymes members of the species are capable
of producing. Growth normally occurs under aerobic conditions,
but in complex media in the presence of nitrate, anaerobic growth
can occur (Claus and Berkeley, 1986). Under adverse
environmental conditions, B. subtilis produces endospores that
are resistant to heat and desiccation (Claus and Berkeley, 1986).
Specific data comparing the survivability of industrial and
wild-type strains of B. subtilis were not available in the
existing literature. However, the ability of B. subtilis to
produce highly resistant spores and grow under a wide range of
conditions indicates that released strains are likely to survive
outside of containment.