Publication details

Effect of electromagnetic fields on the denitrification activity of Paracoccus denitrificans

Authors

FOJT Lukáš STRAŠÁK Luděk VETTERL Vladimír

Year of publication 2007
Type Article in Periodical
Magazine / Source Bioelectrochemistry
MU Faculty or unit

Faculty of Medicine

Citation
Field Biophysics
Keywords low-frequency electromagnetic field; denitrification; Paracoccus denitrificans; graphite electrode; CFU number;
Description Enzymatic activity (denitrification) of Paracoccus denitrificans was estimated electrochemically by reduction of duroquinone (DQ). Graphite electrodes covered with whole bacterial cells behind a dialysis membrane were used for measurement. P. denitrificans reduce nitrate and/or nitrite under anaerobic conditions to nitrogen gas. DQ acts as an electron mediator. After donation of the electrons to the respiratory system of the bacteria, produced DQ is reduced to durohydroquinone on the electrode surface electrocatalytically. P. denitrificans were exposed to low-frequency magnetic field (10 mT, 50 Hz) for 24 min. In comparison with the control samples, the reduction peak that represents denitrification activity of the cells decreased significantly after magnetic field exposure. The decrease of the peak current was about 20%. The CFU-colony forming units-method was used to estimate the number of surviving bacteria. After 24 min exposure of 10 mT magnetic field P. denitrificans culture on electrode indicates 21% bacterial death.
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