Exploratory Assessment of Iron- and Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria in Sediments Co-Contaminated with Metals and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

, and high levels of sulfate and iron suggests that the cryptic sulfur cycle (CSC) may be operational in this system. In addition, sulfate and iron reducers are known to enhance biodegradation of organic pollutants in the presence of metal oxides and sulfate, and thus warrant further investigation in this co-contaminated system.