Environmental processes mediated by iron-reducing bacteria.

Considerable progress has been made towards enhancing our understanding of the phylogeny, ecology and biogeochemical role of dissimilatory iron-reducing bacteria. The known phylogenetic range of iron-reducing bacteria has expanded considerably, as has the known range of iron minerals that serve as a source of Fe(III) for anaerobic respiration. In addition, the number of biotechnological applications of iron-reducing bacteria, including remediation of soils and sediments contaminated with metals, radionuclides and organics, is rapidly expanding.