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Dissimilatory Fe(III) and Mn(IV) reduction.

D R Lovley1

  • 1Water Resources Division, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia 22092.

Microbiological Reviews
|June 1, 1991
PubMed
Summary

Microorganisms drive the oxidation of organic matter by reducing iron (Fe(III)) and manganese (Mn(IV)) in environments like sediments and soils. This microbial process is crucial for organic matter breakdown and has significant biogeochemical implications.

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Area of Science:

  • Biogeochemistry
  • Environmental Microbiology
  • Geochemistry

Background:

  • Oxidation of organic matter coupled with Fe(III) or Mn(IV) reduction is a key biogeochemical process in aquatic sediments, soils, and groundwater.
  • This reaction is vital for oxidizing organic compounds, releasing metals and nutrients, magnetizing sediments, and causing metal corrosion.
  • Historically, Fe(III) and Mn(IV) reduction was thought to be non-enzymatic, but recent discoveries highlight microbial involvement.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of microorganisms in the oxidation of organic matter coupled to Fe(III) and Mn(IV) reduction.
  • To understand the microbial mechanisms for complete organic compound oxidation using Fe(III) or Mn(IV) as electron acceptors.
  • To explore the cooperative activity of different microorganisms in degrading complex sedimentary organic matter.

Main Methods:

  • Discovery and characterization of microorganisms capable of coupling organic compound oxidation to Fe(III) or Mn(IV) reduction.
  • Investigating the metabolic capabilities of these microorganisms using various organic substrates (fatty acids, hydrogen, monoaromatic compounds, sugars, amino acids).
  • Assessing the contribution of enzymatic Fe(III) and Mn(IV) reduction to overall organic matter oxidation in sedimentary environments.

Main Results:

  • Microorganisms can completely oxidize fatty acids, hydrogen, and monoaromatic compounds with Fe(III) or Mn(IV) as the sole electron acceptor, supporting their growth.
  • Complex organic matter, including sugars and amino acids, can be fully oxidized through the combined action of fermentative microbes and Fe(III)/Mn(IV)-reducing bacteria.
  • Enzymatic reduction of Fe(III) and Mn(IV) by microorganisms appears to be the dominant process for organic matter oxidation in these environments.

Conclusions:

  • Microbial reduction of Fe(III) and Mn(IV) provides a significant pathway for the complete oxidation of diverse organic compounds in sedimentary settings.
  • This microbial metabolism plays a fundamental role in the global carbon cycle and various environmental processes.
  • Further research is needed to understand the diversity, ecology, physiology, and biochemistry of these crucial microorganisms.

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