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Metal resistance and accumulation in bacteria
B H Belliveau1, M E Starodub, C Cotter
1Department of Environmental Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1.
Biotechnology Advances
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Bacteria exhibit remarkable metal resistance and accumulation capabilities, utilizing mechanisms like ion efflux and mercury volatilization. This knowledge may enable metal recovery and environmental remediation applications.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Environmental Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Growing understanding of bacterial metal resistance and accumulation.
- Bacteria demonstrate significant versatility in coping with toxic metal ions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore bacterial metal resistance and accumulation mechanisms.
- To investigate potential applications of these bacterial capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent research on bacterial ecology, physiology, and genetics of metal resistance.
- Analysis of known bacterial mechanisms for handling toxic metals like cadmium and mercury.
Main Results:
- Certain bacteria efficiently efflux toxic ions (e.g., cadmium).
- Bacteria like Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus sp. can volatilize mercury enzymatically.
- Resistance mechanisms are often plasmid or transposon-encoded.
Conclusions:
- Expanded knowledge of bacterial metal mechanisms can lead to practical applications.
- Potential uses include recovering precious metals (gold, silver) and removing toxic metals from the environment.