Biotransformation of Metal(Loid)S by Intestinal Microorganisms (Report‪)‬

INTRODUCTION Biotransformation of metals and metalloids is a widespread and important process in the environment. A wide range of different metal(loid) biotransformation processes has been reported, including reduction and oxidation, methylation and demethylation, hydrogenation, the addition of S (thiolation) as well as incorporation of the metal(loid) into more complex metal(loid) organic compounds such as arsenosugars, for example. Due to the change of mobility, bioavailability, and toxicity, these processes play a major role in the biogeochemical cycles of many metal(loid)s such as, e.g., Hg, As, Se, and Ge [1].