In order to obtain an efficient screening procedure for identification of succinate producing anaerobic strains,a semi-quantitative paper chromatography method was developed. Lactic acid and acetic acid were identified as the main byproducts in the process of succinate production by the high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).Succinic acid was completely separated from the byproducts of lactic acid and acetic acid in the same broth developed by paper chromatography.The content of succinic acid was calculated by a semi-quantitative method.The results showed that paper chromatography was a simple and cost effective method that could be utilized to screen anaerobic strains producing succinic acid.