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Insights Into Arsenite and Arsenate Uptake Pathways Using a Whole Cell Biosensor
Martin P Pothier1, Aaron J Hinz1, Alexandre J Poulain1
1Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
Frontiers in Microbiology
|October 19, 2018
Summary
A new arsenic biosensor accurately measures toxic arsenic species in water, overcoming limitations of current methods. This development aids in monitoring decentralized water supplies and understanding arsenic bioavailability in the environment.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Arsenic contamination in decentralized water supplies is a global health concern.
- Current arsenic speciation techniques are costly and lack portability, hindering effective monitoring.
- Understanding arsenic bioavailability is crucial for risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a portable arsenic biosensor for quantifying arsenic species and bioavailability.
- To investigate factors influencing arsenic detection and bioavailability in bioassays.
- To assess the performance of the biosensor using field samples from arsenic-contaminated lakes.
Main Methods:
- Development of a novel arsenic biosensor assay.
- Investigation of inorganic phosphate and carbon source effects on arsenic uptake and detection.
- Validation using standard additions of arsenite (As(III)) and arsenate (As(V)) in lake water samples.
- Analysis of potential matrix interferences and interactions affecting arsenic bioavailability.
Main Results:
- The biosensor accurately quantified legacy arsenic contamination in lake water samples.
- Inorganic phosphate was found to limit As(V) uptake, impacting detection variability.
- The carbon source differentially affected the biosensor's response to As(III).
- Evidence for non-specific reduction of As(V) to As(III) was observed.
- Matrix interference was detected for freshly added arsenic standards, suggesting dynamic interactions.
Conclusions:
- The developed arsenic biosensor is a viable tool for monitoring arsenic in decentralized water supplies.
- Factors like inorganic phosphate and carbon source significantly influence arsenic detection and bioavailability.
- Dissolved organic carbon may play a key role in modulating arsenic speciation and bioavailability in natural waters.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the complex interactions affecting arsenic bioavailability in environmental matrices.
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