ISSN:
1476-5535
Keywords:
Caesium
;
Potassium
;
Toxicity
;
Accumulation
;
Escherichia coli
;
Bacillus subtilis
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Process Engineering, Biotechnology, Nutrition Technology
Notes:
Summary Toxicity screening ofEscherichia coli NCIB 9484 andBacillus subtilis 007, NCIB 168 and NCIB 1650 has shown Cs+ to be the most toxic Group 1 metal cation. However, toxicity and accumulation of Cs+ by the bacteria was affected by two main external factors; pH and the presence of other monovalent cations, particularly K+. Over the pH range 6–9 bothE. coli andB. subtilis showed increasing sensitivity towards caesium as the pH was raised. The presence of K+ and Na+ in the laboratory media used lowered caesium toxicity and lowered acumulation of the metal. In order to assess accurately Cs+ toxicity towards the bacterial strains it was therefore necessary to define the K+:Cs+ ratio in the external medium. The minimum inhibitory K+:Cs+ concentration ratio for theBacillus strains tested was in the range 1∶2–1∶3 whileE. coli had a minimum inhibitory K+:Cs+ concentration ratio of 1∶6.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01569931
