Nuclear production facilities during the Cold War have caused liquid waste to leak and soak into the ground creating multiple radionuclide plumes. The Arthrobacter bacteria are one of the most common groups in soils and are found in large numbers in subsurface environments contaminated with radionuclides. This study experimentally analyzed changes on the bacteria surface after uranium exposure and evaluated the effect of bicarbonate ions on U(VI) toxicity of a less uranium tolerant Arthrobacter strain, G968, by investigating changes in adhesion forces and cells dimensions via atomic force microscopy (AFM). AFM and viability studies showed that samples containing bicarbonate are able to acclimate and withstand uranium toxicity. Samples containing no bicarbonate exhibited deformed surfaces and a low height profile, which might be an indication that the cells are not alive.
Revised: April 19, 2017 |
Published: April 2, 2015
Citation
Sepulveda-Medina P., Y. Katsenovich, V. Musaramthota, M.H. Lee, B.D. Lee, R. Dua, and L. Lagos. 2015.The effect of uranium on bacterial viability and cell surface morphology using atomic force microscopy in the presence of bicarbonate ions.Research in Microbiology 166, no. 5:419-427.PNNL-SA-101737.doi:10.1016/j.resmic.2015.03.003