Enrichment of specific protozoan populations during in situ bioremediation of uranium-contaminated groundwater.

ABSTRACT: The importance of bacteria in the anaerobic bioremediation of groundwater polluted with organic and/or metal contaminants is well recognized and in some instances so well understood that modeling of the in situ metabolic activity of the relevant subsurface microorganisms in response to changes in subsurface geochemistry is feasible. However, a potentially significant factor influencing bacterial growth and activity in the subsurface that has not been adequately addressed is protozoan predation of the microorganisms responsible for bioremediation. In field experiments at a uranium-contaminated aquifer located in Rifle, CO, USA, acetate amendments initially promoted the growth of metal-reducing Geobacter species, followed by the growth of sulfate reducers, as observed previously. Analysis of

SUBMITTER: Holmes DE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3695288 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature