Molecular mechanisms of interaction of microelements with microorganisms in the environment. Direct biological transformation of microelement compounds

The review presents recent data on mechanisms for the microbial transformation of trace elements in natural bioabiotic systems (soils, sediments, sludge, and aquatic systems). Processes of oxidation, reduction, and biomethylation of trace elements by microorganisms are described in detail. Toxic effects of microbiologically transformed compounds on the environment are also shown.