Manganese Oxidation by Spores of the Marine Bacillus sp. Strain SG-1

Abstract

Microbial oxidation of soluble Mn(II) and the subsequent precipitation of insoluble Mn(III) and (IV) oxides and oxyhydroxides are key controls on Mn cycling in natural waters and are primary sources of these reactive solid phases in natural environments. Mn oxides often have high surface-area tunneled or layered structures, high sorptive capacities for metal ions, and are strong oxidants capable of non-specifically oxidizing a number of toxic aromatic and other organic compounds, as well as inorganic compounds such as reduced metals, hydrogen peroxide, and hydrogen sulfide. Thus, Mn(II)-oxidizing bacteria indirectly catalyze a variety of different reactions and impact the biogeochemical cycling of many elements. These bacteria may have useful biotechnological applications for metal recovery or the bioremediation of metal pollution.