微生物砷甲基化及挥发研究进展

砷(As)是一种全球关注的有毒元素。在自然环境中,砷主要以无机形态存在。环境微生物对无机砷的甲基化及挥发对砷的生物地球化学循环有重要影响。利用微生物砷挥发来削减土壤砷浓度,是具有应用前景的土壤修复技术。本文综述了砷甲基化机理、砷甲基化基因起源和进化的最新进展,不同物种之间砷甲基化基因的水平转移是该基因传播的主要途径;阐述了目前报道的砷甲基化过程的几种可能机制。鉴于微生物砷甲基化在生物地球化学循环及环境健康方面的重要作用,该综述对未来该领域研究有重要指导意义。

Advances in the research of arsenic methylation and volatilization by microorganisms

Arsenic(As) is a toxic element with global concern. In natural environment, arsenic mainly exists in the inorganic forms. Arsenic methylation and volatilization driven by microorganisms play important roles in As biogeochemical cycle. Bio-volatilization of As can decrease As concentration in the soil, which could be used as a promising technology for As bioremediation. This paper reviewed recent advances in the principle of As methylation and the origin and evolution of As methyltransferase gene(arsM). It is speculated that the arsM genes were spread to other kingdoms of life through horizontal gene transfer. The predicted mechanisms of As methylation were elaborated as well. Considering the key role of As methylation in its biogeochemical cycle and environmental health, this review is of great significance for future research in this field.