Copper-binding characteristics of exopolymers from a freshwater-sediment bacterium

Journal Article · Mon Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1985 · Appl. Environ. Microbiol.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5518582

Mittelman, M W; Geesey, G G

Copper-binding activity by exopolymers from adherent cells of freshwater-sediment bacterium was demonstrated by a combination of equilibrium dialysis and flameless atomic absorption spectrometry. Crude, cell-free exopolymer preparations containing protein and polysaccharide components bound up to 37 nmol of Cu per mg (dry weight). A highly purified exopolysaccharide preparation bound up to 253 nmol of Cu per mg of carbohydrate. The conditional stability constant for the crude exopolymer-Cu complex was 7.3 x 10/sup 8/. This value was similar to those obtained for Cu complexes formed with humic acids and xanthan, an exopolysaccharide produced by Xanthomonas campestris. Studies conducted at copper concentrations, pHs, and temperatures found in sediments from which the bacterium was isolated indicated that the exopolymers were capable of binding copper under natural conditions.

• Research Organization: California State Univ., Long Beach
• OSTI ID: 5518582
• Journal Information: Appl. Environ. Microbiol.; (United States), Journal Name: Appl. Environ. Microbiol.; (United States) Vol. 49:4; ISSN AEMID
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560302* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Microorganisms-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPY
BACTERIA
BIOCHEMISTRY
CARBOHYDRATES
CHEMICAL BONDS
CHEMISTRY
COPPER
ELEMENTS
FRESH WATER
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
METALS
MICROORGANISMS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PH VALUE
POLYMERS
POLYSACCHARIDES
PROTEINS
SACCHARIDES
SEDIMENTS
SPECTROSCOPY
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
UPTAKE
WATER