INTERACTIONS BETWEEN SUBSURFACE MICROBIAL ASSEMBLAGES AND MIXED ORGANIC AND INORGANIC CONTAMINANT SYSTEMS

Synthetic chelating agents have been used for nuclear decontamination and waste processing because they react with radionuclides and heavy metal ions and form stable water-soluble complexes. Codisposal of synthetic chelating agents with radionuclides and/or heavy metals, however, have caused increase in organic and inorganic mixtures transport in the subsurface environment. The paper discusses the effects of selected chemical contaminants on ground water bacteria and a mixture of model organic and inorganic chemicals on surface and subsurface bacteria.