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Related Concept Videos

Microbes and Other Elemental Cycles01:24

Microbes and Other Elemental Cycles

Microbial activity plays a pivotal role in the biogeochemical cycling of iron and manganese, especially at the redox gradients characteristic of stratified aquatic environments. These cycles are driven by microbial transformations between oxidized and reduced forms of the metals, allowing organisms to exploit them for metabolic energy and structural purposes.Iron Cycling Across Redox GradientsIn neutral, oxygen-rich surface waters, iron is predominantly found in its oxidized, insoluble ferric...
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Activated manganese(IV) oxide can selectively oxidize allylic and benzylic alcohols via a radical intermediate mechanism. Primary allylic alcohols are oxidized to aldehydes, while secondary allylic alcohols yield ketones. The redox reaction of potassium permanganate with an Mn(II) salt such as manganese sulfate (under either alkaline or acidic conditions), followed by thorough drying, yields the oxidizing agent: activated MnO2. While MnO2 is insoluble in the solvents used for the reaction, the...
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Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Manganese Oxide Nanoparticle Synthesis by Thermal Decomposition of Manganese(II) Acetylacetonate
09:02

Manganese Oxide Nanoparticle Synthesis by Thermal Decomposition of Manganese(II) Acetylacetonate

Published on: June 18, 2020

Bacteriogenic manganese oxides.

Thomas G Spiro1, John R Bargar, Garrison Sposito

  • 1Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA. spiro@chem.washington.edu

Accounts of Chemical Research
|September 26, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Microbes transform soluble manganese (Mn(II)) into manganese dioxide (MnO2), influencing metal bioavailability and organic pollutant degradation. This study explores the unique biochemical mechanisms behind bacterial MnO2 production.

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Published on: December 19, 2017

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Manganese Oxide Nanoparticle Synthesis by Thermal Decomposition of Manganese(II) Acetylacetonate
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Experimental Column Setup for Studying Anaerobic Biogeochemical Interactions Between Iron (Oxy)Hydroxides, Trace Elements, and Bacteria
06:52

Experimental Column Setup for Studying Anaerobic Biogeochemical Interactions Between Iron (Oxy)Hydroxides, Trace Elements, and Bacteria

Published on: December 19, 2017

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Microbiology
  • Biogeochemistry
  • Bioinorganic Chemistry

Background:

  • Microorganisms play a crucial role in manganese redox cycling in natural environments.
  • Solid manganese dioxide (MnO2) is the stable form of manganese in oxygenated environments, produced by diverse bacteria and fungi.
  • Bacteria utilize MnO2 as a terminal electron acceptor in respiration.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the properties of bacteriogenic MnO2.
  • To elucidate the biochemical mechanisms of bacterial Mn(II) oxidation.
  • To investigate the role of multicopper oxidases (MCOs) in Mn(II) oxidation.

Main Methods:

  • X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray scattering studies to characterize bacteriogenic MnO2 structure.
  • Biochemical experiments using a Bacillus species to trap and analyze oxidation intermediates.
  • Enzyme purification and characterization to understand catalytic mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • Bacteriogenic MnO2 consists of small, defect-rich hexagonal sheets of MnO6 octahedra with cation vacancies.
  • These defects facilitate high adsorption of exogenous metal ions, influencing metal bioavailability.
  • Bacteriogenic MnO2 efficiently degrades recalcitrant organic molecules, showing potential for bioremediation.

Conclusions:

  • Bacterial Mn(II) oxidation involves a novel two-electron transfer mechanism, potentially mediated by MCOs.
  • A Mn(III) intermediate is formed and further oxidized or disproportionated to Mn(IV) oxide.
  • Bacteriogenic MnO2 influences environmental metal cycling, organic pollutant degradation, and Mn(II) bioavailability.