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Title: Cellular Fe-hydroxides and heavy metal sorption in Euglena sp. (algae): implications for biomineralization

Conference · · Geol. Soc. Am., Abstr. Programs; (United States)
OSTI ID:6458877

STEM imagery and electron diffraction patterns of Euglena sp. reveal pronounced intra and cellular-membrane aggregates of Fe-hydroxides (some lepidocrocite), in natural communities from tailings waters, Elliott Lake, Ontario. Pure isolates of Euglena sp. contain 40-70% Fe by dry weight and in addition average Al 28,000 ppm, Sr 150, Ba 40, Zn 150, Mn 250, Ni 120, Pb 1600, Th 70, Cu 200 and U 180. In tailings waters, Fe solute concentrations average 560 ppm and U 50 ppb. Concentration factors for Fe, Ba, Zn, Mn, Ti, V, Ni, Pb, Cr, Ag, Co and Cu in algae referenced to average world river waters are greater than or equal to 10/sup 6/. These results endorse the premise that microorganisms mediate transfer of many solutes between the hydrosphere and sedimentary regime.

Research Organization:
Univ. of Western Ontario, London (Canada)
OSTI ID:
6458877
Report Number(s):
CONF-8510489-
Journal Information:
Geol. Soc. Am., Abstr. Programs; (United States), Vol. 17; Conference: 98. annual meeting of the Geological Society of America, Orlando, FL, USA, 28 Oct 1985
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English