Gadolinium has no known biological role, and few papers have been published on microbial interactions with gadolinium. Gadolinium nitrate in deuterium water is know for its ability to absorb neutrons and was used in emergency shutdown systems in nuclear reactors. Wilde et al (2002) assessed the tolerance of selected bacteria and algae to gadolinium to evaluate the possible use of these organisms for bioremediation of sites contaminated with gadolinium. Andres et al (2000) showed that Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were more effective biosorbents for the removal of gadolinium ions from solution than were yeast cells. The amount of gadolinium bound by the organisms varied with growth stage and medium composition.

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