Microbial Life in Uranium-contaminated Milieus


Microbial Life in Uranium-contaminated Milieus

Zirnstein, I.; Gagell, C.; Arnold, T.; Krawczyk-Bärsch, E.; Röske, I.

Microorganisms often form communities, so-called biofilms, in its natural habitats. In every territory of the world they play an important role. Biofilms contain different types of microorganisms e.g. bacteria, fungi, amoebae, algae etc. Together with the self-produced matrix, called EPS (extracellular polymeric substances), they constitute a kind of microenvironment. The supply of nutrients is mediated by open water channels. Just the same way toxic heavy metals could possibly infiltrate the biofilm. In order to understand the migration and transport processes of uranium in nature it is necessary to study the interaction of uranium with biofilms.
Biofilms are located in the former uranium mine Königstein (Saxony) in a depth of 250 m. There are two types of biofilms: stalactite-like biofilms and drainage biofilms. The water is characterized by high concentrations of uranium, protons and sulfate ions. The microscopic and genetic analysis of the Königstein biofilms revealed a rich diversity of microorganisms within the biofilm. Astonishing, we also found fungi and eukaryotes such as amoebae, insects, ciliates among bacteria to live under the extreme conditions of the mine.
Königstein mine was flooded last year (2010). Other mining sites of Saxony were flooded a long time ago. Recent studies compare the microbial diversity after (selected mining sites) and before (Königstein mine) flooding. The aim of the work is to visualize the whole biofilm and to analyze its interaction with uranium.

  • Poster
    6th PhD Seminar HZDR, 05.-07.10.2011, Rabenberg, Germany

Permalink: https://www.hzdr.de/publications/Publ-16039
Publ.-Id: 16039