Selenate reduction by bacteria from a selenium-rich environment

Journal Article · Sat Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1988 · Applied and Environmental Microbiology; (USA)

OSTI ID:5075438

Maiers, D T; Wichlacz, P L; Thompson, D L; Bruhn, D F ^[1]

---

1. Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Idaho Falls (USA)

Samples collected from Kesterson Reservoir were screened for bacterial presence and selenate reduction capability. Selenate concentrations of 100 mg/liter were not toxic to indigenous bacteria. Of the 44 samples collected, 20 possessed microbial populations capable of reducing selenate. Reduction was observed in 4% of the water samples, 92% of the sediment samples, and 100% of the soil samples. Microbial reduction of 100 mg of selenate per liter was complete within 1 week of incubation. Up to 75 mg of selenate per liter was reduced beyond selenite to an insoluble red precipitate. Data collected indicate that indigenous bacteria have a significant role in the biogeochemical cycling of selenium.

• OSTI ID: 5075438
• Journal Information: Applied and Environmental Microbiology; (USA), Journal Name: Applied and Environmental Microbiology; (USA) Vol. 54:10; ISSN 0099-2240; ISSN AEMID
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540320* -- Environment
Aquatic-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
BACTERIA
BIODEGRADATION
BIOGEOCHEMISTRY
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CHEMISTRY
DECOMPOSITION
ELEMENTS
GEOCHEMISTRY
METABOLISM
MICROORGANISMS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
REDUCTION
SEDIMENTS
SELENATES
SELENIUM
SELENIUM COMPOUNDS
SEMIMETALS
SOILS