Arsenic in contaminated waters: biogeochemical cycle, microbial metabolism and biotreatment processes

Biochimie. 2009 Oct;91(10):1229-37. doi: 10.1016/j.biochi.2009.06.016. Epub 2009 Jun 28.

Abstract

Arsenic is responsible for the contamination of water supplies in various parts of the world and poses a major risk to human health. Its toxicity and bioavailability depend on its speciation, which in turn, depends on microbial transformations, including reduction, oxidation and methylation. This review describes the development of bioprocesses for the treatment of arsenic-contaminated waters based on bacterial metabolism and biogeochemical cycling of arsenic.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arsenic / analysis*
  • Arsenic / metabolism*
  • Bacteria / metabolism*
  • Biodegradation, Environmental*
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / analysis*
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / metabolism*

Substances

  • Water Pollutants, Chemical
  • Arsenic