Reduction of ferric compounds by soil bacteria

Reduction of ferric lactate by washed cell suspensions of Bacillus circulans, B. megaterium and Aerobacter aerogenes takes place in the presence of suitable hydrogen donors. Ferric hydroxide is reduced when αα'-dipyridyl is present in the cell+ substrate system. The reduction of ferric compounds by washed cells+ substrate is similar to the reduction of methylene blue. Culture fluids of B. circulans do not reduce ferric iron in the absence of normal cells. RESP-3352