The ecology of arsenic.
Arsenic is a metalloid whose name conjures up images of murder. Nonetheless, certain prokaryotes use arsenic oxyanions for energy generation, either by oxidizing arsenite or by respiring arsenate. These microbes are phylogenetically diverse and occur in a wide range of habitats. Arsenic cycling may take place in the absence of oxygen and can contribute to organic matter oxidation. In aquifers, these microbial reactions may mobilize arsenic from the solid to the aqueous phase, resulting in contaminated drinking water. Here we review what is known about arsenic-metabolizing bacteria and their potential impact on speciation and mobilization of arsenic in nature.
Oremland
Ronald S
RS
U.S. Geological Survey, Mailstop 480, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA. roremlan@usgs.gov
Stolz
John F
JF
D001105:Archaea / Q000378:metabolism*; D001149:Arsenates / Q000378:metabolism; D001151:Arsenic / Q000378:metabolism*; D020261:Arsenic Poisoning / Q000209:etiology; D001152:Arsenicals / Q000378:metabolism*; D018053:Arsenites / Q000378:metabolism; D001419:Bacteria / Q000378:metabolism*; D018533:Biomass; D001711:Biotransformation; D017753:Ecosystem; D004783:Environmental Microbiology; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D013816:Thermodynamics; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000378:metabolism; D014881:Water Supply
D001149:Arsenates; D001152:Arsenicals; D018053:Arsenites; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; C015001:arsenite; D001151:Arsenic; C025657:arsenic acid