Precipitation of barite by Myxococcus xanthus: possible implications for the biogeochemical cycle of barium.
Bacterial precipitation of barite (BaSO(4)) under laboratory conditions is reported for the first time. The bacterium Myxococcus xanthus was cultivated in a solid medium with a diluted solution of barium chloride. Crystallization occurred as a result of the presence of live bacteria and the bacterial metabolic activity. A phosphorous-rich amorphous phase preceded the more crystalline barite formation. These experiments may indicate the involvement of bacteria in the barium biogeochemical cycle, which is closely related to the carbon cycle.
González-Muñoz
Maria Teresa
MT
Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Campus Fuentenueva, Universidad de Granada, 18002 Granada, Spain.
Fernández-Luque
Belén
B
Martínez-Ruiz
Francisca
F
Ben Chekroun
Kaoutar
K
Arias
José María
JM
Rodríguez-Gallego
Manuel
M
Martínez-Cañamero
Magdalena
M
de Linares
Concepción
C
Paytan
Adina
A
D001466:Barium Sulfate / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D016941:Myxococcus xanthus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification*
D001466:Barium Sulfate