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