Abstract
The effects of pH, ionic strength of suspending buffer and choice of organic phase upon the subsequent adherence of E. coli to organic phase in the bacterial adherence to hydrocarbons (BATH) test were investigated. It was found that both pH and ionic strength altered adherence of E. coli and the organic phase employed for the BATH test influenced the classification of adherence. Generally, E. coli showed pronounced affinity for chloroform and dichloromethane, and only intermediate affinity for xylene. Lowering pH and increasing the ionic strength of the suspending buffer resulted in increased adherence.