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. 1988 Oct;54(10):2591–2593. doi: 10.1128/aem.54.10.2591-2593.1988

Selenate reduction by bacteria from a selenium-rich environment.

D T Maiers 1, P L Wichlacz 1, D L Thompson 1, D F Bruhn 1
PMCID: PMC204329  PMID: 3202638

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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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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