Magnetotactic bacteria bind uranium (IMAGE) Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf Caption Magnetotactic bacteria bind uranium in their cell wall (schematically shown on the right). This can be used to purify uranium-contaminated water by separating the loaded bacteria with a magnet (shown on the left). Credit B. Schröder/HZDR Usage Restrictions None License Original content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.