Study on the Role of Some Microorganisms in the Biotransfer of Radionuclides in Different Rock Samples from Sinai, Egypt.

Abstract

In this study, three rock samples were collected from Um Bogma formation, East Abu Zenema, southwestern Sinai, Egypt. Two samples (I and II) were collected from two different locations in Wadi Nasab and one sample (III) was collected from Um Hamd mountain. Sample’s physical and chemical properties were analyzed using many techniques and instruments such as X-Ray Diffraction, SEM-EDX, Flame Atomic Absorption, spectrophotometer and ICP-OES. The samples were rich in heavy metals and radionuclides. They also showed low organic matter content. Total count of the microorganisms present in the studied samples was done at 37 °C and 55 °C and the microbial count was low and was inversely proportional to heavy metals’ content and directly proportional to organic matter content. A number of 10 actinobacterial isolates (all belong to the genus Streptomyces) and 10 fungal isolates (all belong to the genus Aspergillus) were isolated from the studied rock samples.