5. Lead Speciation in Microorganisms

• DOI: 10.1515/9783110434330-005
• Publication Date: 2017-04-11T10:07:11Z
• Authors: Theodora J. Stewart
• Keywords: Molecular Weight; 570; Metal speciation; Intracellular speciation; 550; Bacteria; Lead; 13. Climate action; Microorganisms; Fungi; Microalgae; Detoxification; Chemistry Techniques, Analytical

The biogeochemical cycles of lead (Pb) have been largely affected by anthropogenic activities as a result of its high natural abundance and use over the centuries [1]. At sites more strongly impacted by urbanization [2] and mining [3], Pb is found at high nano to low micromolar concentrations in surface waters, and can be significantly higher in soil and sediment [4]. Microorganisms are found everywhere and their responses to Pb exposure can range from resistant to highly sensitive [5, 6]. These varying levels of toxicity can be attributed to the cellular handling of Pb, making it important to understand the role of intracellular Pb speciation for more accurate toxicity predictions.