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Laboratory Simulation of an Iron(II)-rich Precambrian Marine Upwelling System to Explore the Growth of Photosynthetic Bacteria

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Manganese oxidation by bacteria: biogeochemical aspects.

P P Sujith¹, P A Loka Bharathi

¹National Institute of Oceanography (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research), Dona Paula, Goa, India, spp@nio.org.

Progress in Molecular and Subcellular Biology

|August 31, 2011

Summary

Microbes drive the manganese oxidation cycle in aquatic environments, outcompeting chemical processes. These manganese-oxidizing bacteria are key players in elemental cycling through their unique enzymatic activities.

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Area of Science:

Environmental Microbiology
Biogeochemistry
Aquatic Chemistry

Background:

Manganese (Mn) is an essential trace metal vital for biological processes.
Unlike iron, manganese is not easily oxidized chemically.
Microbial oxidation of manganese is a significant biogeochemical process in aquatic systems.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the critical role of manganese in aquatic environments.
To explore the interaction between manganese and microorganisms.
To highlight the significance of the oxidative manganese cycle in aquatic realms.

Main Methods:

Literature review of microbial manganese oxidation.
Analysis of enzymatic mechanisms in manganese-oxidizing bacteria.
Examination of the impact on biogeochemical cycles.

Main Results:

Several bacterial groups efficiently oxidize manganese, competing with chemical oxidation.
Manganese oxides are potent oxidants in aquatic environments, influencing elemental fate.
Manganese-oxidizing bacteria utilize enzymes to scavenge manganese and associated elements.

Conclusions:

Microbial manganese oxidation is a crucial process in aquatic biogeochemical cycles.
Manganese-oxidizing bacteria play a significant role in controlling elemental transformations.
Understanding these microbial interactions is key to comprehending aquatic ecosystem functions.