Simplified X-ray film method for detection of bacterial volatilization of mercury chloride by Escherichia coli

Abstract

A simplified X-ray film method for detecting bacterial production of Hg0 by Escherichia coli was developed. There was excellent agreement of results between this X-ray film method and radioactive mercury volatilization assays. Although not quantitative, the X-ray film method has the advantages of being rapid, simple to perform, and inexpensive.