Document Detail


Toxicity of select organic acids to the slightly thermophilic acidophile Acidithiobacillus caldus.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  18803441     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Acidithiobacillus caldus is a thermophilic acidophile found in commercial biomining, acid mine drainage systems, and natural environments. Previous work has characterized A. caldus as a chemolithotrophic autotroph capable of utilizing reduced sulfur compounds under aerobic conditions. Organic acids are especially toxic to chemolithotrophs in low-pH environments, where they diffuse more readily into the cell and deprotonate within the cytoplasm. In the present study, the toxic effects of oxaloacetate, pyruvate, 2-ketoglutarate, acetate, malate, succinate, and fumarate on A. caldus strain BC13 were examined under batch conditions. All tested organic acids exhibited some inhibitory effect. Oxaloacetate was observed to inhibit growth completely at a concentration of 250 microM, whereas other organic acids were completely inhibitory at concentrations of between 1,000 and 5,000 microM. In these experiments, the measured concentrations of organic acids decreased with time, indicating uptake or assimilation by the cells. Phospholipid fatty acid analyses indicated an effect of organic acids on the cellular envelope. Notable differences included an increase in cyclic fatty acids in the presence of organic acids, indicating possible instability of the cellular envelope. This was supported by field emission scanning-electron micrographs showing blebbing and sluffing in cells grown in the presence of organic acids.
Authors:
John E Aston; William A Apel; Brady D Lee; Brent M Peyton
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Environmental toxicology and chemistry / SETAC     Volume:  28     ISSN:  0730-7268     ISO Abbreviation:  Environ. Toxicol. Chem.     Publication Date:  2009 Feb 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2009-04-20     Completed Date:  2009-05-04     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  8308958     Medline TA:  Environ Toxicol Chem     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  279-86     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana 59718, USA.
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Acidithiobacillus / drug effects*,  growth & development
Acids / toxicity*
Organic Chemicals / toxicity*
Chemical
Reg. No./Substance:
0/Acids; 0/Organic Chemicals

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