First steps in assessing microbial involvement in the geochemical evolution of uranium mine tailings : evaluation of iron reduction potential, biofilm formation and community heterogeneity

The high pH (~10) and elevated concentration of metals and oxyanions such as As, Fe, Ni, Mo and Se in the Deilmann tailings management facility (DTMF) presents a highly selective environment for microorganisms. The objective of this study was to assess the potential for metal and ion solubilization by the indigenous mixed microbial community in both optimum (high carbon) and