The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
  

  -----

What bacterias treat cyanide and reduce their effects on animals and aquatic life?

Can a bacteria wash reduce the cyanide to a safe level for animals and aquatic life? If so, what types of bacterias? How would I apply them and can I mix them with a food source?

Scott Daubeney
consumer - Longmont, Colorado, USA
2003

---

2003

I was just ready to put the good old 'silly' balloon on this letter when I figured out that you are with a soil conditioning company and you are talking about something to spray onto the earth together with fertilizer--rather than something you were looking to mix into breakfast cereal.

But I still don't get what you are trying to do. Cyanide is on the one hand, and in very low concentrations, a natural product found in peaches, lima beans, apple pips, almonds, etc. On the other hand, in higher concentrations, it is a violent and almost instantly-acting poison. Are you trying to clean up an orchard or an industrial waste site?

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

We have a small pond that has some residues, one of them being cyanide. Levels are 3x10 to the 4th power. I've heard about bacteria being added to the heap or pond and with other ingredients, they have reduced the levels of cyanide. I'm trying to get more info.

Scott Daubeney
- Longmont, Colorado, USA
2003

---

First of two simultaneous responses --

3X10 to the 4th does not say anything. Is that in parts per trillion, billion or million or? If I remember correctly there has been some research with favorable results on the subject, although it is a very slow process. Try the USEPA web site. Or, try a number of google searches with combinations of words that include bacteria, remediation and cyanide. If all else fails, enlist the help of your local representative's office to make the inquiry to the EPA.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
2003

---

Second of two simultaneous responses --

One of the more interesting sites I have referred to when dealing with cyanide, e.g., during my risk assessments, safe working practices etc is cyantists.com. Check it out loads of good stuff about cyanide. Regards,

Richard Guise
- Lowestoft, U.K.
2003

Ed. note: Good link, Richard!