Influence of the Iron-Reducing Bacteria on the Release of Heavy Metals in Anaerobic River Sediment

Gounou, Catherine; Bousserrhine, Noureddine; Varrault, Gilles; Mouchel, J.-M

Influence of the Iron-Reducing Bacteria on the Release of Heavy Metals in Anaerobic River Sediment

2010

Gounou, Catherine | Bousserrhine, Noureddine | Varrault, Gilles | Mouchel, J.-M (Jean-Marie)

The impact of autochthonous anaerobic bacteria on the release of metals in river sediment was studied. The sediments were characterized and bacterial activity was monitored in a batch reactor, where the sediments were incubated with a synthetic substrate solution containing glucose as carbon source. The results showed that metal release was correlated to the bacterial growth (carbon mineralization). In particular, a relationship between iron reduction and metal release was observed indicating that iron-reducing bacteria had a strong influence. By reductive dissolution of iron oxides, bacteria also released their associated toxic elements into the liquid phase. While organic analysis showed acetate and butyrate production leading to a decrease in pH and indicating a Clostridium fermentative bacteria activity, the results did not indicate any direct role of organic acids in the dissolution of iron and their associated metals.

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