Indigenous bacteria in the natural environment can product a wide range of metabolites more efficiently. The aim of this work was to isolate from the natural environment non-pathogenic Clostridium strains that are able to convert glycerol to 1,3-propanediol and other metabolites of potential uses in industry. The effective methods of selection and maintenance of anaerobic cultures in the laboratory conditions were also investigated. Samples were pre-cultured on modified PY medium consisted 50 g/l of glycerol. Isolated colonies growth on TSC medium were screened on the basis of morphological characters typical for Clostridium sp. Isolated bacterial strains were allowed to growth in selective media such as RCM and modified PY. The metabolites of bacteria were investigated by the HPLC technique. The bacteria strains were identified by 16S rRNA technique. The highest percentage of isolates of the genus Clostridium were obtained from excrements of animals, compost, and silages. Nearly 60% were able to convert glycerol to 1,3-propanediol. The highest capacity for utilization of glycerol to 1,3-propanediol was observed in case of the species of Clostridium bifermentans and Clostridium sordelli. The most of examined microflora were also able to short-chain organic acids and ethanol synthesis.

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