Pharmacology, Toxicology and Environmental Health Commons^™

Biological Detoxification Of Mercury Contaminated Soil, Shiying Zhang

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study examined biological mercury removal from soil using mercury-resistant bacteria in soil microcosms. Mercuric chloride was used to artificially contaminate Kidman soil to mercury concentrations of 5 ppm and 10 ppm. Soil moisture content was maintained at three levels, 20%, 30% and 50%. Mercury resistant-bacteria were added to soil samples and the mercury removal rate was compared to control samples without added bacteria. Mercury removal rate was initially enhanced by the addition of bacteria. After 30 days, no difference was observed between samples and controls with initial mercury concentration of 5 ppm when soil moisture content was 20%. At …