Effect of sodium arsenate on microbial growth in a chemostat

Microbial transformation of sodium arsenate, the wood preservative and insecticide, is important in assessing the environmental impact of this pesticide. Recent studies using batch culture techniques have shown that arsenate is metabolized to more toxic end products. This study investigated the effect of the chemical on the microbial cells themselves using continuous flow cultures to examine the effect of arsenate on the growth and maintenance requirements of the microbes. Cell yield was lower and maintenance requirements higher at 100 micrograms/ml arsenate than at 10 micrograms/ml indicating a greater expenditure of energy by the cells to maintain homeostasis.