Microbial transformations of hazardous metals in the environment

L. Y. Young, E. D. Rhine, E. Garcia-Dominguez, J. R. Reinfelder, M. E. Serfes

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Bacteria catalyze a variety of chemical reactions in response to hazardous metals in their environment which can result in volatilization, precipitation or solubilization of the metal. They are the only life forms on earth that obtain energy for growth from oxidation or reduction of various metal species including iron, manganese mercury, arsenic and selenium.We demonstrate that a diversity of naturally occurring microbes in the environment are able to reduce As(V) in place of oxygen as a respiratory electron acceptor, and others are able to oxidize As(III) for energy for autotrophic carbon fixation. There is evidence that these microbially mediated reactions can release arsenic from mineral formations and may serve as a mechanism for mobilization of arsenic into groundwater.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationWater-Rock Interaction - Proceedings of the 12th International Symposium on Water-Rock Interaction, WRI-12
Pages41-46
Number of pages6
StatePublished - 2007
Event12th International Symposium on Water-Rock Interaction, WRI-12 - Kunming, China
Duration: Jul 31 2007Aug 4 2007

Publication series

NameWater-Rock Interaction - Proceedings of the 12th International Symposium on Water-Rock Interaction, WRI-12
Volume1

Other

Other12th International Symposium on Water-Rock Interaction, WRI-12
Country/TerritoryChina
CityKunming
Period7/31/078/4/07

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Geochemistry and Petrology
  • Water Science and Technology

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