Influence of bacteria on lanthanide and actinide transfer from specific soil components (humus, soil minerals and vitrified municipal solid waste incinerator bottom ash) to corn plants: Sr-Nd isotope evidence.

Experiments have been performed to test the stability of vitrified municipal solid waste (MSW) incinerator bottom ash under the presence of bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and plants (corn). The substratum used for the plant growth was a humus-rich soil mixed with vitrified waste. For the first time, information on the stability of waste glasses in the presence of bacteria and plants is given.

The first fossil fungus gardens of Isoptera: oldest evidence of symbiotic termite fungiculture (Miocene, Chad basin).

Higher termites of the subfamily Macrotermitinae (fungus-growing termites) are known to build fungus gardens where a symbiotic fungus (Termitomyces sp.) is cultivated. The fungus grows on a substrate called fungus comb, a structure built with the termites' own faeces.

Microbially-mediated glass dissolution and sorption of metals by Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells and biofilm.

A basaltic glass and a vitrified bottom ash were incubated at 25 degrees C in a growth medium (based on casaminoacids) inoculated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Bacterial growth and mineral concentrations in different compartments (bacterial cells, growth medium and biofilm) were monitored in short-term (3 days), and long-term experiments involving repeated renewals of the culture medium during 174 days. In short-term experiments, while the concentration of iron increased in the presence of bacteria, a decrease in Ni and Zn was observed in the growth medium compared to the sterile condition.