Arsenite oxidation by pure cultures of bacteria

摘要

Arsenic is widely used in a variety of industries including metal refining, agriculture, high technology laser processes, and the automobile industry [1]. Arsenic is known to occur naturally in rocks where it can reach concentrations of up to 6500 mg/kg and in soils where its average concentration is 7.5 mg/kg [2]. Recent studies have demonstrated the ability of arsenic, even at low concentrations, to attack the skin, blood, and neurologic systems [3]. Chronic exposure to low levels of arsenic leads to basal and squamous cell carcinomas, anemia and leukopenia, and peripheral neuropathy [4,5]. The most common vehicle for arsenic poisoning is ingestion of contaminated drinking water[6].