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Sorption of lead onto two gram-negative marine bacteria in seawater

March 1, 1985

Laboratory adsorption experiments performed at environmentally significant lead (Pb) and cell concentrations indicate that the marine bacteria examined have significant binding capacities for Pb. However, the behavior governing Pb sorption onto gram-negative bacteria in seawater may be quite complex. The sorption kinetics appear to involve two distinct phases, i.e., a rapid removal of Pb from solution within the first few minutes, followed by a slow but nearly constant removal over many hours. Also, the average binding coefficient, calculated for Pb sorption onto bacteria and a measure of binding intensity, increases with decreasing sorption density (amounts of bacteria-associated Pb per unit bacterial surface) at low cell concentrations (105 cells ml−1), but decreases with decreasing sorption density at higher cell concentrations (107 cells ml−1). The latter effect is apparently due to the production of significant amounts of extra-cellular organics at high cell concentrations that compete directly with bacterial surfaces for available lead. Lead toxicity and active uptake by marine bacteria did not appear significant at the Pb concentrations used.

Publication Year 1985
Title Sorption of lead onto two gram-negative marine bacteria in seawater
DOI 10.1016/0304-4203(85)90044-1
Authors Ronald W. Harvey, James O. Leckie
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Marine Chemistry
Index ID 70185587
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Toxic Substances Hydrology Program