Citation

Oremland RS, Stolz JF. Science 2003; 300(5621): 939-944.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, American Association for the Advancement of Science)

DOI

10.1126/science.1081903

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Arsenic is a metalloid whose name conjures up images of murder. Nonetheless, certain prokaryotes use arsenic oxyanions for energy generation, either by oxidizing arsenite or by respiring arsenate. These microbes are phylogenetically diverse and occur in a wide range of habitats. Arsenic cycling may take place in the absence of oxygen and can contribute to organic matter oxidation. In aquifers, these microbial reactions may mobilize arsenic from the solid to the aqueous phase, resulting in contaminated drinking water. Here we review what is known about arsenicmetabolizing bacteria and their potential impact on speciation and mobilization of arsenic in nature.