Transformation and Precipitation of Toxic Metals by Pseudomonas maltophilia

Abstract

The aims of this research are to study each of the various molecular mechanisms whereby toxic metal cations and oxyanions are chemically transformed by Pseudomonas maltophilia strain OR-02. The research effort for the current year has focused on the microbial-dependent transformations of selenite, tellurite, lead, and chromate. The reduction of selenite and tellurite to their insoluble elemental forms appeared to be mediated by an intracellular glutathione reductase that utilized the spontaneously-formed bis(glutathio)Se or bis(glutathio)Te, respectively, as pseudosubstrates. The biomolecules responsible for the extracellular transformation of lead and the reduction of chromate to Cr(III) are currently under investigation. This project could provide useful information toward the eventual exploitation of P. maltophilia and related organisms for the removal of toxic metal wastes from selected, heavily polluted sites.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 31, 1990
Accession Number
ADA224329

Entities

People

  • Robert Blake Ii

Organizations

  • Meharry Medical College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Amino Acids
  • Anaerobic Bacteria
  • Biological Sciences
  • Cells
  • Chemical Analysis
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Chromium Compounds
  • Electron Spectroscopy
  • Elements
  • Metals
  • Microbiology
  • Photographs
  • Precipitates
  • Precipitation
  • Selenium
  • X Rays

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Emergency Management and Homeland Security.
  • Microbial Pathology
  • Surface Engineering/Surface Coating Technology.

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology