Complexation by micro-organisms

Few data exist regarding the metal adsorption at biological surfaces, the majority of studies having been performed on algae. It is generally accepted that metals first coordinate to the organism surface and are subsequently transferred in a slow 

Such data suggest that the metal ligand ratio may have an important impact on the apparent complexation properties of micro-organisms however, further systematic, well-controlled experiments are necessary to clarify these observations. 

For a more detailed review and critical appraisal of the published data on metal complexation by micro-organisms and extracellular chelating compounds see Beveridge and Doyle (1989), Campbell (1994), Tessier et al. (1994), Beveridge et al. (1997) and Town et al. (1998). 

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Town, R.M. and Filella, M. (1999) Metal ion complexation by micro-organisms in natural waters a critical assessment of thermondynamic (and kinetic ) aspects. Abstracts of papers of the American Chemical Society, Vol. 217, No. Pt 1, pp. 104-GEOC. 

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