Degradation of arsenobetaine to inorganic arsenic by the microorganisms occurring in the suspended substances

Abstract

Abstract 1. 1. Arsenobetaine-containing growth media (ZoBell 2216E and a solution of inorganic salts) were incubated with suspended substances as a source of marine microorganisms. 2. 2. The degradation of arsenobetaine to inorganic arsenic was shown in the inorganic salts medium, being found for the first time with respect to the microorganisms occuring in them. 3. 3. Trimethylarsine oxide and dimethylarsinic acid were also shown as metabolites in both the media. 4. 4. These results suggest the microbial degradation of arsenobetaine in the water column.