MICROBES AND METHODS FOR REDUCING COMPOUNDS

Provided herein are biologically pure cultures of microbes having the characteristic of reducing Sb(V) to Sb(III). In one embodiment, the microbes produce Sb 2 O 3 by reduction of Sb(OH) 6 − . In one embodiment, the microbes also reduce selenite, selenate, tellurate, nitrite, nitrate, and/or arsenate. Also provided are compositions that include the microbes, and methods of using the microbes. Examples of methods include making crystalline Sb 2 O 3 and converting soluble contaminants to insoluble contaminants.