Usage of metals as the terminal electron acceptors by the sulfate-reducing bacteria

Abstract

The review briefly describes the toxic effects of heavy metals towards microorganisms and the resistance mechanisms to heavy metals. The processes of fermentative and non-fermentative reduction of oxidized metals forms by the sulfate-reducing bacteria and factors that have influence these processes are described. Some sulfate-redu­cing bacteria using metals as terminal electrons acceptors are described. Data about the usage of these microorganisms in the bioremediation are presented. The attention is paid to the usage of psychrophylic sulfate-reducing bacteria in these processes.

Keywords

• heavy metals
• dissimilatory sulfate reduction
• sulfate-reducing bacteria
• metals reduction
• bioremediation