Evaluation of fungal-induced structural changes in arsenic- and antimony-contaminated mine drainage ochreous sediments using radioanalytical techniques

Abstract Biotransformation of ochres, a material crucial in immobilizing toxic elements, such as arsenic and antimony, found in mine effluents is investigated by Mössbauer spectrometry. Incubation of ochreous sediments was performed with the fungus Aspergillus niger . Neutron activation analysis determined the elemental composition. The findings demonstrate a redistribution of iron phases, which may contribute to the release of trace elements. This work introduces a novel approach to studying microbial interactions with ochres using these complementary techniques, providing insight into the environmental impact of fungal-induced transformations in contaminated mine sediments.