Ecological aspects of microorganisms inhabiting uranium mill tailings

Microbial Ecology
By: , and 

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Abstract

Numbers and types of microorganisms in uranium mill tailings were determined using culturing techniques. Arthrobacter were found to be the predominant microorganism inhabiting the sandy tailings, whereas Bacillus and fungi predominated in the slime tailings. Sulfate-reducing bacteria, capable of leaching radium, were isolated in low numbers from tailings samples but were isolated in significantly high numbers from topsoil in contact with the tailings. The results are placed in the context of the magnitude of uranium mill tailings in the United States, the hazards posed by the tailings, and how such hazards could be enhanced or diminished by microbial activities. Patterns in the composition of the microbial population are evaluated with respect to the ecological variables that influence microbial growth. ?? 1987 Springer-Verlag New York Inc.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Ecological aspects of microorganisms inhabiting uranium mill tailings
Series title Microbial Ecology
DOI 10.1007/BF02013019
Volume 14
Issue 2
Year Published 1987
Language English
Publisher location Springer-Verlag
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Microbial Ecology
First page 141
Last page 155
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