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Selenate reduction by bacteria from a selenium-rich environment.

D T Maiers·P L Wichlacz·D L Thompson·D F Bruhn
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Abstract

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.

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BacteriaLactatesOxidation-ReductionSelenic AcidSeleniumSelenium CompoundsSoil MicrobiologyWater MicrobiologyJournal ArticleResearch Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

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D T Maiers, P L Wichlacz, D L Thompson, D F Bruhn. 1988. Selenate reduction by bacteria from a selenium-rich environment.. https://doi.org/10.1128/aem.54.10.2591-2593.1988

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