Biodegradation of Eu(III)-citrate complexes by Pseudomonas fluorescens

Structure of Eu(III)-citrate complexes in aqueous solution and their degradability by Pseudomonas fluorescens have been investigated. Analysis of 1:1, 1:2, and 1:5 Eu(III):citrate solutions at pH 7 by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) showed that the 2:2 Eu(III)-citrate complex is the predominant complex species at a low citrate/Eu(III) ratio, while at a high ratio, a 1:2 Eu(III)-citrate complex is formed preferably. Studies on the biodegradation of Eu(III)-citrate complex by P. fluorescens have shown that a 2:2 Eu(III)-citrate complex is resistent to degradation while a 1:2 complex transforms to a 2:2 complex with the degradation of excess citric acid. (author)