title: Selenate reduction by bacteria from a selenium-rich environment.
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.
authors.affiliation: Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Idaho Falls 83415-2203.
authors.forename: D T
authors.initials: DT
authors.lastname: Maiers
authors.forename: P L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Wichlacz
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.forename: D F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Bruhn
mesh_terms: D001419:Bacteria / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D007773:Lactates / Q000378:metabolism; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D064586:Selenic Acid; D012643:Selenium / Q000378:metabolism*; D018036:Selenium Compounds; D012988:Soil Microbiology; D014871:Water Microbiology
chemical_list: D007773:Lactates; D018036:Selenium Compounds; D012643:Selenium; D064586:Selenic Acid