The significance of pH in dictating the relative toxicities of chloride and copper to acidophilic bacteria

摘要: The ability of acidophilic bacteria to grow in the presence elevated concentrations cationic transition metals, though varying between species, has long been recognized be far greater than that most neutrophiles. Conversely, their sensitivity both inorganic and organic anions, with notable exception sulfate, generally considered more pronounced. We have compared tolerance different species mineral-oxidizing Acidithiobacillus Sulfobacillus, heterotrophic iron-reducer Acidiphilium cryptum, copper chloride when grown on ferrous iron, hydrogen or glucose as electron donors at pH values 2.0 3.0. While varied greatly these were invariably 3.0, while showed opposite pattern. combination liquid media appeared toxic elements present alone, which was thought due formation copper-chloride complexes. results this study bring new insights into understanding physiological behaviour metal-mobilising bacteria, generic significance for prospects bioleaching ores concentrates saline brackish waters.