Ruthenium has no known biological function, but ruthenium is present in the human body at a higher concentration than the essential element cobalt (Emsley, 1989). The nuclear fission products ¹⁰³Ru and ¹⁰⁶Ru are minor constituents of nuclear power plant effluents, and the potential for microorganisms to accumulate ruthenium isotopes has been explored (Zharova, 1961; Gibson et al, 1986). Isolated Bacillus subtilis cell walls have been shown to bind Ru³⁺ with high affinity (Beveridge, 1978).

For more information:

Search Medline for ruthenium metabolism AND bacteria

Emsley, J. The Elements. Oxford University Press. Oxford, U.K. 1989.

Zharova TV. Accumulation of radioactive isotopes of strontium, ruthenium, cesium, and cerium by some bacteria. Mikrobiologiya. 1961;30:871-6.