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Volatilization of mercury byThiobacillus ferrooxidans

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Abstract

Thiobacillus ferrooxidans became significantly more tolerant to mercury stress after culturing in media of increasing mercury(II) concentrations. When mercuric chloride was added to the growth medium, the resistant organisms were found to volatilize elemental mercury (Hg0).T. ferrooxidans may be an important factor in the natural mercury cycle, since the environments whereT. ferrooxidans is found typically contain elevated levels of heavy metals, including mercury.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chemical and Biodegradation Processes Group Center for Materials Science, National Bureau of Standards, 20234, Washington, D.C., USA

    Gregory J. Olson, Warren P. Iverson & Frederick E. Brinckman

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  1. Gregory J. Olson
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  2. Warren P. Iverson
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  3. Frederick E. Brinckman
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Olson, G.J., Iverson, W.P. & Brinckman, F.E. Volatilization of mercury byThiobacillus ferrooxidans . Current Microbiology 5, 115–118 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01567431

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