Reductive Transformation of Sb(III)-Loaded Schwertmannite by Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria in a Phosphate-Rich Anaerobic Batch Microcosm.

Sulfate-reducing bacteria transform Sb(III)-loaded schwertmannite, causing dynamic Sb mobility with 92.8% removal when Sb is initially dissolved, but also risking remobilization.

• Why it matters: Understanding Sb fate in anaerobic, sulfidic environments is crucial because microbial activity can both immobilize and release Sb, impacting environmental safety and contamination management.
• What they did: Four microcosms with an enriched sulfate-reducing bacterial consortium were used to study mineral transformation, Sb speciation, and microbial community shifts during reductive processes.
• The result: Findings show that microbial reduction leads to secondary Fe mineral formation and partial Sb immobilization, but late-stage Sb remobilization poses environmental risks due to complexation and mineral transformation dynamics.