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Laboratory Simulation of an Iron(II)-rich Precambrian Marine Upwelling System to Explore the Growth of Photosynthetic Bacteria
Published on: July 24, 2016
Evidence for equilibrium iron isotope fractionation by nitrate-reducing iron(II)-oxidizing bacteria
A Kappler1, C M Johnson, H A Crosby
1GPS Division, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125.
Iron isotope fractionation during Fe(II) oxidation by Acidovorax sp. strain BoFeN1 approached equilibrium, suggesting redox cycling within the bacteria. This contrasts with typical kinetic effects seen in other Fe(II) oxidation pathways.
Area of Science:
- Geochemistry
- Biogeochemistry
- Isotope Geochemistry
Background:
- Iron (Fe) isotope fractionations are sensitive to Fe species and redox transformations.
- Understanding Fe redox pathways is crucial for interpreting modern and ancient environments.
- Biological Fe(II) oxidation mechanisms can lead to distinct isotopic signatures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Fe isotope fractionations during microbial Fe(II) oxidation by Acidovorax sp. strain BoFeN1.
- To compare microbial Fe isotope fractionation with abiotic processes.
- To elucidate the role of redox cycling in microbial Fe isotope signatures.
Main Methods:
- Batch experiments tracking Fe isotope fractionations.
- Utilizing Acidovorax sp. strain BoFeN1 for Fe(II) oxidation.
- Analysis of Fe(II)(aq) and Fe(III) oxide/hydroxide precipitates.
Main Results:
- Fe isotope fractionation approached equilibrium conditions (+3.0 ‰).
- Evidence suggests redox cycling within the bacterial periplasm maintains isotopic equilibrium.
- Kinetic effects from rapid oxidation and precipitate transformations were also observed.
Conclusions:
- Biological Fe(II) oxidation by Acidovorax sp. strain BoFeN1 can achieve apparent Fe isotope equilibrium.
- Redox cycling within the periplasm is proposed as the mechanism for equilibrium attainment.
- Distinct Fe isotope fractionations arise from different Fe(II) oxidation pathways (biological vs. abiotic).
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