EN
This paper reports results of studies on the effects of interaction between heavy metal ions (Hg2+, Cd2+, Ni2+ and Cu2+) on the degree of desulfurication taking place using Desulfotomaculum ruminis bacteria. It has been found that mutual interaction of heavy metal ions can bring either antagonistic or synergetic effects. For instance, the toxic effect of Hg2ł ions on the process of desulfurication is minimized after the introduction of Cd2+ ions (antagonism). In other cases interaction of the metal ions studied has led to synergetic inhibition. The concentration ranges of metal ions in which they show the inhibiting effect or act as antagonists have been determined.