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Investigation into antimony mobility in sewage sludge fermentation
Silvia Wehmeier1, Jörg Feldmann
1Institute of Medical Sciences, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, AberdeenUKAB25 2ZD.
Journal of Environmental Monitoring : JEM
|November 25, 2005
Summary
Antimony biomethylation in anaerobic sewage sludge follows the Challenger pathway. This study quantified antimony incorporation into methylantimony species, revealing enhanced methylation by methanogenic Archaea and sulfate-reducing bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Microbiology
- Biogeochemistry
Background:
- Antimony exists in various inorganic and organic forms in the environment, influencing its solubility and mobility.
- Biomethylation is a key transformation process for metalloids in anaerobic environments like sewage sludge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate antimony biomethylation during sewage sludge fermentation under anaerobic conditions.
- To determine if antimony methylation follows the Challenger pathway using isotopically enriched antimonite (123Sb(v)).
Main Methods:
- Methylation of isotopically enriched antimonite in sewage sludge containing methanogenic Archaea.
- Analysis of antimony species in the gas phase using cryotrapping-gas chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (CT-GC-ICP-MS).
- Determination of antimony species in the sludge medium via hydride generation (HG) followed by CT-GC-ICP-MS.
Main Results:
- Isotope ratios confirmed that antimony methylation follows the proposed pathway.
- Quantified 123Sb incorporation into mono-, di-, and trimethylantimony species (91% to 73%).
- Volatilization as trimethylstibine was <0.1%, with up to 0.8% of antimony methylated and accumulated in cells.
Conclusions:
- Antimony biomethylation in anaerobic environments proceeds via the Challenger pathway.
- Methanogenic Archaea and sulfate-reducing bacteria enhance antimony methylation, with methanogens showing higher activity.