Influence of dissimilatory metal reduction on fate of organic and metal contaminants in the subsurface

Anderson Abstract Dissimilatory Fe(III)-reducing microorgan-isms have the ability to destroy organic contaminants under anaerobic conditions by oxidizing them to car-bon dioxide. Some Fe(III)-reducing microorganisms can also reductively dechlorinate chlorinated contami-nants. Fe(III)-reducing microorganisms can reduce a variety of contaminant metals and convert them from soluble forms to forms that are likely to be immo-bilized in the subsurface. Studies in petroleum-con-taminated aquifers have demonstrated that Fe(III)-reducing microorganisms can be effective agents in removing aromatic hydrocarbons from groundwater under anaerobic conditions. Laboratory studies have demonstrated the potential for Fe(III)