PNNL

Abstract

Anaeromyxobacter dehalogenans strain 2CP-C can rapidly reduce U(VI) or Tc(VII) to U(IV)O2(s) or Tc(IV)O2(S) using either acetate or H2 as an electron donor source. Kinetic studies reveal that the H2-driven reduction of either U(VI) or Tc(VII) is faster than the acetate-driven reduction. The sub-cellular localization of reduced UO2 is extracellular while TcO2 nanoparticles are both periplasmic and extracellular. While electron donor-specific differences in UO2 nanoparticle aggregate size were observed, the association of UO2 nanoparticles with an exopolymeric substance (EPS) was observed and found to be independent of electron donor source. Electron donor-specific localization differences were not observed in cells incubated with Tc(VII). These finding have direct implications on immobilization strategies for highly soluble radionuclide contaminants in subsurface waters and the development of microbially assisted biostimulation efforts.